Business
HNB secures Top 3 position on Business Today rankings
Consolidating an outstanding reputation for excellence and a legacy of digital innovation even in the volatile backdrop of the COVID pandemic, Sri Lanka’s most popular retail bank, HNB PLC was ranked among the Top 3 on Business Today prestigious list of the Top 30 Corporates in Sri Lanka.
Compiled following a stringent series of evaluations of all participants, the Business Today’s Top 30 Rankings assess nominees on their quality of growth, corporate governance and long-term vision. During the period in review, HNB’s strong financial performance, and proven ability to introduce novel technology-enabled capabilities, products, and services helped the bank secure a ranking amongst the Top 3.
“Our brand has evolved over decades into one of the strongest banking franchises both locally and internationally. Our position among the foremost corporates in the Business Today Top 30 ranking stands as a testament to the ambitious and transformational journey that we are pursuing.
“Given the uncertainties we experienced this year, corporate Sri Lanka has realigned and readjusted its strategies to face the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic as it unfolds. In such a volatile environment, HNB doubled down on technological transformation, in order to rapidly adapt to the ‘new normal’ of socially distanced, and increasingly digital customer engagement.
“Moving forward, innovation and new thinking are a must for any organisation to grow sustainably. Accordingly, over the coming year we will continue to explore new pathways for the bank to evolve and thrive despite the uncertain macroeconomic conditions that may emerge over the next year,” HNB Managing Director and CEO Jonathan Alles said.
The Business Today ranking is the most recent in a string of accolades bestowed on HNB in recognition of its transformational approach to banking. Over the recent past, HNB was also ranked among the World Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-based Banker Magazine.
Additionally, HNB’s remarkable track record of excellence helped secure its place among the ‘Top 10 Most Admired Companies in Sri Lanka’ by the International Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Based on its performance over the past 25 years, the bank was also included in the LMD Top 100 Club.
Similarly, HNB was presented with the award for Best Sub-Custodian Bank in Sri Lanka at the Global Finance Awards 2020. The award marked the second consecutive year in which the bank was declared country winners in a category which prior to 2018 had been dominated by multinational banks.
Other prestigious accolades won by the bank include the Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka award for 2020 by the Asian Banker Magazine and a total of seven awards at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2019 organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
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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