Business
HNB Assurance Group records significant growth in 1H20
HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned subsidiary HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) recorded a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 500 MN during 1H 2020, depicting a steady growth amid the outbreak of a global pandemic.
Speaking on the financial performance of the Group, chairperson of HNBA and HNBGI, Ms. Rose Cooray stated, “it is indeed a great pleasure to announce that HNB Assurance Group has achieved a significant PAT growth compared to the corresponding period of the previous year following an economic downturn caused by the outbreak of a global pandemic. Through the tireless efforts, our teams successfully navigated the challenging environment to deliver a noteworthy performance. The Life Insurance business recorded a PAT of LKR 176 MN showcasing a growth of 25%. The profit does not include any surplus transfer from the Life Fund.
“The General Insurance business recorded a PAT of LKR 323 MN depicting an impressive growth of 120%. These results reiterate the resilience of our sustainable core business model and the Group’s undivided focus in capturing market segments with growth potential. The unprecedented challenges arising from the COVID-19 outbreak together with other adverse global market conditions have created a challenging backdrop which businesses around the globe are currently experiencing; but with the strategies of the Management together with the dedication of the staff members of HNBA and HNBGI and the Advisor Force, I’m sure we could overcome this uncertain turbulence.”
Sharing his views on the performance of the Group, Chief Executive Officer of HNBA and HNBGI, Prasantha Fernando stated, “HNBA Group delivered outstanding financial results amidst a number of macro-economic challenges presented during a global crisis. In a market backdrop where most businesses succumbed its profits to the outbreak of COVID-19, HNBA Group has delivered a notable performance. The Group recorded a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 4.5 BN. The investment income of the Group surpassed LKR 1.2 BN and the total assets of the Group surpassed LKR 29 BN. The Group has taken swift and effective measures and has adapted various agile initiatives following the COVID-19 outbreak, including enhancing its digital selling portals and claims settlement platforms. It is noteworthy to mention that the Life and General Insurance Funds surpassed values of LKR 15.7 BN and LKR 2.9 BN respectively reaffirming the Group’s firm footing”.
Fernando further added, “the Management is thankful for the commitment and dedication of all employees during these trying times. The Management remains confident that together with the diversified business strategies the Group will be able to sustain its continuous growth and deliver value to all stakeholders.” (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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