Business
HSBC offers an overseas scholarship for international ambitions
In a bid to open up a world of opportunity for Lankan students with overseas ambitions for their studies, HSBC Sri Lanka announced a new scholarship program for USD 10,000 when they enroll to a university, anywhere in the world. Through the scholarship program one eligible student will be able to fulfil his/her dream overseas during the upcoming semester.
HSBC is the first bank in Sri Lanka to introduce a scholarship program to help local students jump start their higher education and realise their borderless ambitions for a brighter future. This is part of the HSBC’s International Student Proposition that was launched in 2019 to facilitate the education journey of local students after research revealed that over 24,000 Sri Lankan students (Source: UNESCO 2020 data) study overseas in key education corridors such as Australia, UK, Canada, US, Malaysia and India, where HSBC has a strong footprint.
The scholarship program is open to any student between the ages 17 – 25 years who wishes to pursue an overseas education. Prospective candidates will need to download an application form from https://www.hsbc.lk/international/overseas-education/ and submit an essay based on a *pre-determined criteria. Applications will be evaluated by HSBC together with senior academics from local and international education institutions in the country, whereby the winner will receive a USD 10,000 scholarship to complete his/her overseas studies for the upcoming semester at a preferred university from 64 countries where HSBC is present.
The winner will also be required to open a student file under HSBC Premier or HSBC Advance in order to facilitate the payments and other overseas banking services such as opening an overseas account and arranging a debit card from the destination country prior to departure of the student.
According to HSBC, parents and students go through four stages throughout the overseas education journey such as dreaming, planning, moving and settling and customers are reliant on their financial partner to provide them with hassle free banking services.
Nadeesha Senaratne, Country Head of Wealth & Personal Banking commented “An overseas education can be quite overwhelming for both parents and students. We also understand the pressures that parents go through in sending their children overseas and having to take care of the financial needs. That’s why we want to make the journey seamless through our international student proposition that is designed to support them with their cross-border banking needs and provide parents/students with peace of mind.”
He added, “Through our international connectivity in 64 markets, we are better positioned to help them move funds across geographies faster and cheaper, provide access to global insights and expertise on currencies, exchange rates and cross-border banking regulations. Our goal is to facilitate an enriching overseas education journey for students. We are very excited to be able to afford one eligible student the opportunity to follow his/her dreams and connect to limitless opportunities, amid the current pandemic and financial challenges.”
With HSBC’s international student proposition, getting students ready for overseas education has never been easier. HSBC supports by providing all the essential banking services such as opening student files, facilitating payments, opening an overseas account and arranging for off-shore debit, mobile and internet banking prior to departure of the student.
Visit https://www.hsbc.lk/international/overseas-education/ for more details.
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.”