Business
Dialog’s “genie Business” Hosts the First Transaction in Sri Lanka at the inauguration launch of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI)
In a ground-breaking and historic virtual launch, India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) made its official debut in Sri Lanka in partnership with LankaPay, where Dialog’s Fintech solution, genie business proudly conducted the inaugural UPI transaction in the presence of the President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Ranil Wickramasinghe, Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi, and Prime Minister of Mauritius, His Excellency Pravind Jugnauth.
India’s UPI is a real-time payment system that enables Indian users to link multiple bank accounts and conduct seamless fund transfers and transactions using UPI powered applications. Sri Lankan businesses big or small can now embrace the opportunity to accept payments from UPI powered applications. This integration not only ensures smooth transactions but will also enhance the growth of Indian Tourism. With increased accessibility to Indian markets, businesses in Sri Lanka can capitalize on new avenues for expansion and collaboration, fostering greater economic resilience and prosperity.
Dr. Kenneth De Zilwa, Chairman of LankaPay (Pvt) Ltd said “At LankaPay, we’re thrilled to mark a significant milestone in our global journey through our collaboration with the NPCI International Payments Limited. We’re pleased to see genie Business Fintech Solutions by Dialog Finance PLC taking the initiative to be amongst the first 12 acquirers in the country to accept UPI transactions.
Anticipating rapid growth, we plan to onboard approximately 10,000 merchants for UPI payments within three weeks, reaching 65,000 by March 2024. This global partnership with UPI and our business partners genie Business, Fintech Solutions by Dialog Finance PLC not only benefits tourists, SMEs, MSMEs but also lays the foundation for the future enabling Sri Lanka and LankaPay to expand into trade and investment banking products in phase 2. Thereby, contributing to the revenue growth of the multiple sectors, and industries, creating new business models, and in doing so fostering deeper economic ties between Sri Lanka and India.”
Commenting, Renuka Fernando, Chairperson of Dialog Finance PLC said, “We are honoured to conduct the first transaction in Sri Lanka at the inauguration launch of UPI. This ground-breaking initiative will not only enable a wider range of businesses to participate in the digital financial system but brings us closer to our mission at Dialog Fintech to bring financial inclusivity and access to finance for the MSME sector”.
She further added, “At genie Business, we go beyond enabling seamless digital transactions, but also provide crucial tools such as working capital loans and multi-currency options to all businesses. We are not just a payment solution, but a growth partner, supporting to elevate Sri Lankan businesses to stay ahead of an ever-evolving market. Further, we thank all our business partners, including Taj Samudra Colombo, Ministry of Crab, The Bayleaf, Shoulders by Harpos, Harpos Pizza outlets, King of the Mambo by Galle Face Hotel and The Station Restaurant who readily supported this initiative at their hotspots to enable Indian customers to pay using UPI”.
UPI payments are now available at Dialog Experience Centres, including Bandaranaike International Airport and Dialog Iconic Experience Centre in Colombo 02 in addition to the aforementioned tourist hot spots.
genie Business, powered by Dialog Axiata and Dialog Finance PLC, is more than just a payment solution; it’s a trusted partner in growth and success. This all-encompassing platform provides not only the convenience of contactless QR payments from Lanka QR and international networks, Tap and Pay Card acceptance, Payment Links, Multi Currency internet payments, and online transactions, but also empowers businesses with essential tools like E-shops, working capital loans and banking services. Download genie Business app via Google Play Store & Apple App Store to enrol as a genie Business merchant.
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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