Business
HNB Assurance Group makes strong start to 2024
HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA), kicked off the year 2024 on an impressive note, showcasing robust performance in the first quarter. Driven by a clear strategic vision, HNBA has proven its adaptability, strength and growth potential yet again, seamlessly navigating the ever-changing insurance landscape. At the end of Q1 HNB Assurance posted a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 3.3 billion while HNB General Insurance recorded an impressive LKR 2.9 billion.
“The formula for us has been quite simple, expand our reach while creating maximum value for our customers”, stated Mrs. Rose Cooray, Chairperson of HNBA and HNBGI. “We have been extremely fortunate to witness this philosophy not only guide our endeavors but also enable us compete and grow within a highly competitive industry. I am pleased to note that during Q1 of 2024, our GWP once again surpassed last year’s performance by an impressive 13%, reaching a total of LKR 6.2 billion. Additionally, as a group, we expanded our total assets by LKR 4 billion, reaching a milestone of LKR 55 billion. Our Financial Investments portfolio also experienced significant growth, rising to LKR 46 billion from LKR 43 billion when compared to the same period last year. Our consistent growth across all areas, I believe, has positioned us for sustained success within this dynamic and highly competitive environment.”
Lasitha Wimalaratne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, expressed his delight with the company’s Q1 financial performance, stating, “I’m delighted to state that the efforts and diligence of our teams have once again yielded positive results for us, contributing to our sustained growth and success as a company. Notably, our Life Insurance business achieved a remarkable 14% growth, reaching an impressive LKR 3.3 billion in GWP which included a New Business Premium growth of 34% against an industry growth of 24% and a long term Endowment growth of 23% against an industry growth of 15%. Moreover, our Life Insurance Fund experienced substantial growth, exceeding LKR 2.5 billion to reach a significant milestone of LKR 33 billion during the first quarter. As we prepare for forthcoming changes, including the implementation of IFRS 17 and the fruition of our digital investments, I am confident in our ability to enhance our customer experience and accelerate our growth trajectory.”
Chief Executive Officer of HNB General Insurance, Sithumina Jayasundara, opined “Q1 has always been crucial for us in terms of setting the tone for the year and I’m delighted to note that we have recorded an impressive 9% growth in GWP to reach LKR 2.9 billion when compared to the same period last year. In terms of our non-motor business we recorded a 15% growth against the industry which showcased no growth while our overall business including motor and non-motor recorded a 9% growth against the industry growth of 0.8% which is 09 times the industry growth rate. (HNBA)
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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