Business
Dialog Axiata deploys LANKAQR to enable a cashless Sri Lanka
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider in partnership with Dialog Finance PLC and Lanka Clear, announced the launch of ‘LANKAQR’ – the National Quick Response (QR) Code Standard for local currency payments introduced by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, enabling a cashless Sri Lanka. Dialog aims to enable over 50,000 of its partner merchants with access to LANKAQR platform for digital financial transactions by end of the year.
The adoption of this universal LANKAQR standard by Dialog on a national level will enable any LANKAQR enabled payment app users to purchase goods and services through Dialog merchants accepting LANKAQR payments at no transaction cost with instant payment notifications. Furthermore, committed to enabling retailers go cashless, over 50,000 Dialog merchant outlets will enjoy zero set up cost, lower transaction cost, zero maintenance cost and instant notification receipts. Dialog’s eZ Cash mobile wallet customers can now make payments through LANKAQR using their eZ Cash mobile wallet and Genie payment app customers will soon be able to pay through LANKAQR subsequently using any bank account, or Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards at any LANKAQR merchant both online and offline platforms.
LANKAQR island-wide campaign was launched at the ‘Mataleta LANKAQR’ event held on September 12 at the CBSL Matale regional office, attended by all major banks, mobile money and Fintech companies with Prof. W. D. Lakshman – Governor, CBSL appearing as the Chief Guest. Dialog will also be providing 3GB mobile data free-of-charge to Dialog customers within a 5Km radius in the town of Matale to encourage them to register for eZ Cash via #111# and download the app to experience paying via LANKAQR at the enabled outlets.
eZ Cash, which operates under the license from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), was established under the aegis of the Payments and Settlements Act No 28 of 2005, becoming Sri Lanka’s first mobile money service that permitted sending and receiving money. Fuelling “2020 – Year of Digital Transactions” initiative and vision by Central Bank of Sri Lanka, it also has the distinction of being the world’s first inter-operable mobile money service and was honoured with the Global Award for Best Mobile Money Service at the Mobile World Congress in 2015. Genie, which is fully certified by the globally recognised PCI Data Security Standards body, brings a secure and convenient transaction platform to enable Sri Lanka’s digital payment landscape. The cutting-edge smartphone app and simple to use partner interface empowers partners and consumers with the very latest in digital transaction technology and facilitates payment transactions directly from the mobile phone. (Dialog Axiata)
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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