Business
INSEE Sanstha named SLIM Kantar’s People’s Housing and Construction Brand of the Year for the 13th consecutive time
INSEE Sanstha has once again been recognized as the People’s Housing and Construction Brand of the Year 2024 by SLIM Kantar, marking its 13th consecutive win in this prestigious category. The award, presented by The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), signifies the trust and loyalty that customers have placed in the brand over the years, driving INSEE Sanstha’s legacy as Sri Lanka’s #1 Cement brand.
Speaking about the accolade, INSEE Cement’s Commercial Director Safeekhan Siddeeque expressed gratitude INSEE’s customers for their continued support and trust in the brand, even during challenging times in Sri Lanka’s construction industry. “At INSEE Cement, we are deeply committed to delivering excellence in everything we do. For the past five decades, we have been consistently providing the best in products and solutions at the highest quality consistently. This award fuels our motivation to continue raising the bar of excellence and further strengthening our legacy.”
The SLIM Kantar People’s Awards, established in 2007, are among the most highly anticipated events in the corporate calendar. This year’s awards ceremony was held on Monday 18 March at the Monarch Imperial in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, with the attendance of senior marketers and officials, representing both brands and agencies.
What sets these awards apart is their unique basis on consumer preferences, determined through a comprehensive survey rather than by a panel of experts. Kantar, on behalf of SLIM, undertakes an exhaustive data collection and analysis process to select the winners for various categories, including the coveted People’s Housing and Construction Brand of the Year.
INSEE Sanstha Cement was the first Portland-Composite-Cement ever to be launched in Sri Lanka and is also the only cement manufacturer with an integrated cement plant. INSEE Cement is also the first company in Sri Lanka to receive Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for its comprehensive product portfolio, demonstrating a commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable construction practices. INSEE Sanstha Portland Composite Cement became the first cement brand in Sri Lanka to be awarded the prestigious Green Certificate by the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka. INSEE Sanstha was also awarded the gold certificate from the Ceylon Institute of Builders in 2023.
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.”