Business
HNB continues longstanding partnership with Battle of the Saints as Official Banking Partner
Powering the 89th annual Battle of the Saints, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC, reaffirmed its commitment as the official banking partner for the highly anticipated cricket encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club on April 28, 29 and 30.
The match will see the two leading Catholic schools, St. Josephs College and St. Peters College, battle it out for the Rev. Fr. Maurice J. Le Goc Trophy over two consecutive days. HNB Head of Marketing Upul Adikari presented the cheque to the two principals, St. Joseph’s College Rector Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi and St. Peter’s College Rector Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo.
“We are honoured to continue our support of this historical event, which has been etched in the minds of generations of schoolboys who have passed through the hallowed halls of these institutions. Given the many challenges we face today, we believe it is of utmost importance that we continue to protect and promote these values, traditions and rich history of sportsmanship that this match represents to the past and present students,” HNB Head of Marketing Upul Adikari said.
The match returns to the public arena after a hiatus of 2 years, where it was played behind closed doors due to the unprecedented challenges faced first by the pandemic, followed by the economic crisis. Renowned for its exciting and competitive brand of cricket, the Battle of the Saints is the only annual two-day encounter that strategically limits the first innings to 60 overs each, pushing the game towards a potential result.
Sri Lanka Under -19 wicketkeeper/batsman Sadeesh Jayawardena will lead St. Joseph’s College, while the boys from Bambalapitiya will be under the captaincy of all-rounder Nimuthu Gunawardana. St. Josephs led the series tally with 12 wins, while St. Peters won the 2016 encounter, bringing their tally to 10 wins.
HNB too has had a long-standing relationship with both St. Joseph’s, and St. Peter’s College – the latter of which is home to one of the very first HNB Student Savings Units (SSU) in the country. Successive generations of students have benefitted from HNB accounts and their experience at the SSUs, which have helped not only to inculcate the savings habit from a young age among students but has also laid the foundation for a stable and secure future through savings for higher and tertiary education.
HNB has also been working to deepen its engagement with both schools, with a strong emphasis on introducing new technology-enabled banking services to students and staff to help prepare them for life in an increasingly digital world. HNB’s suite of electronic banking solutions includes Payee Partnerships and easy-to-use POS devices that enable hassle-free collections together with HNB PAYFAST – a convenient and reliable platform for payment of salaries, EPF, ETF and any other additional payments as needed.Additionally, HNB has also provided other special facilities to cover the entire school community, including teachers, students, and related parties as their preferred banking partner.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”