Business
HNB ushers in new era with Damith Pallewatte at the helm as Acting CEO
HNB PLC announced the appointment of Damith Pallewatte as Acting CEO, effective from 6th April 2024, subject to approval of his fit & propriety from Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The strategic appointment comes as part of a planned leadership transition first announced in May 2023.
A qualified Banking and Risk Management Professional with over 27 years of experience including more than 14 years in Senior and Corporate Management positions, Pallewatte brings a wealth of diverse experience to his new role. His career has spanned the full spectrum of banking operations, including Strategy and Risk Management, Credit, Branch Banking and Operations, before his most recent tenure as Deputy General Manager of HNB’s Wholesale Banking Group.
“As a result of the fundamental realignment that has taken place at HNB over the past decade, we are ideally positioned to play a transformative role in the national economy. Our goal is to continue building on this legacy of strength, stability and innovation.
“Leveraging best in class customer service, emerging technologies, and unmatched network capabilities, we aim to facilitate Sri Lankan enterprises of all sizes to connect to global opportunities, while engaging with critical sectors and new markets to enable a true economic resurgence,” HNB Acting CEO, Damith Pallewatte said.
Pallewatte brings to his role as Acting CEO of HNB an extensive portfolio of leadership positions and directorships within and beyond Sri Lanka. Since November 2021, he has served as Chairman/Director of Lanka Ventures PLC and LVL Energy Fund PLC, both listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, showcasing his expertise in venture capital and renewable energy investments across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Further enriching his profile, Pallewatte holds directorships at Acuity Partners (Pvt) Ltd, Acuity Securities Limited and Lanka Financial Services Bureau Limited. Further, he was recently appointed as Vice President/Director of the International Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka.
Pallewatte holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of London, London School of Economics.
He is also a Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), an ACI Operations Certificate holder of Financial Markets Association – France, a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK and holds a Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate (SCR) from GARP, underscoring his dedication to advancing financial, social and environmental sustainability practices.
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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