Business
Innovative Thinkers Recognised at DFCC Agile Design Thinking Awards 2023
One of Sri Lanka’s most reflexive and customer-centric banks, DFCC Bank has invested heavily in innovation and agility development amongst its people. The innovation and agility transformation within DFCC Bank is coordinated and led by the DFCC Agile Innovation Centre and HR departments both helping inspire the Bank’s people. This initiative is equipping the Bank the ability to skilfully manoeuvre the challenging modern business environment while inspiring people-led transformation.
The best and most innovative thinkers and problem-solvers amongst DFCC Bank’s cadre were recently recognised at the DFCC Agile design thinking Capacity Training certificate Awards 2023, a special awards programme designed by the DFCC Agile Innovation Centre to recognise excellence in design thinking. The training programme commenced in 2022 for 45 hand-picked staff members from the Middle and Senior management of the Bank. The training was conducted by experts from the Innovation Quotient team (IQ) with whom the Bank collaborated. 34 staff members were awarded certificates based on evaluation by the trainers and peers which were categorised under gold, silver and bronze.
This workshop is part of the DFCC Agile innovation centre of excellence project to introduce design thinking methods and tools to help develop value propositions and solutions to effectively manage the challenges of the modern marketplace caused by automation, adoption of artificial intelligence, big data, the emergence of new entrants and rapid changes in consumer behaviour. The approach was through offline and online clinics, which included modules on identifying value propositions, testing it, building prototypes and business case preparation, and pitching the story for investment and business integration.
Commenting on the occasion, Thimal Perera -Director and Chief Executive officer – at DFCC Bank said, “Amidst the challenging and dynamic environment of modern business, we are keen to equip our people with the tools they need to emerge as thought leaders and be leaders of change and transformation. We need to adapt quickly and be agile amidst the present environment, and as we are a customer-centric, people-oriented bank, this agility must become part of our culture and people.”
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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