Business
Integrating Advanced Analytics with front-line business decisions
OCTAVE, the John Keells Group’s Data and Advanced Analytics Center of Excellence is making strides to build a world-class analytics practice to derive the most value from the Group’s data by combining the full ensemble of Industry 4.0 technologies, human ingenuity, and the power of data and modern-day advanced analytics.
As Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate, the John Keells Group has access to an unparalleled high volume and variety of data across its several industry verticals, including Financial Services, Retail, Leisure, Consumer Foods, Transportation, Property Development, and IT & Plantations. Recognising the value and potential of this data, John Keells Holdings made a significant investment to promote a Group wide transformation effort towards adopting data-driven operational and strategic decision-making.
Committed to implementing world-class practices across technology, process, and learning, OCTAVE has engaged a global management and advanced analytics consultancy. The engagement has fostered an environment where the JKH team works shoulder-to-shoulder with onsite experts, aided by a cutting-edge technology stack and best-in-class analytics methodologies. This is further complemented by OCTAVE’s DNA that promotes the best elements of Agile working and disciplines of collaboration and creativity to build a culture of innovation.
Leveraging its distinct position as a thought leader in the industry, OCTAVE has since its launch collaborated with universities and other partners on hackathons and knowledge sharing sessions, the latest being ‘OCTAVE INSIGHTS – Hear, Learn and Interact with advanced Analytics Experts’. It is envisioned to be a curated forum for Advanced Analytics Professionals to interact with senior members of OCTAVE, along with other prominent industry experts.
OCTAVE INSIGHTS is to begin with a three-part webinar series spanning Data Engineering, Data Science, and Analytics Delivery. The webinars are billed as conversations between experts from the globally renowned advanced analytics consultancy QuantumBlack, a McKinsey company, and OCTAVE, to cover prevalent topics within the three fields.
The well attended first webinar was held on November 17 with Chamitha Wanaguru (Analytics Delivery Lead, OCTAVE) and Anshul Varma (Data Architect, McKinsey Digital Labs, India) discussing ‘Data Engineering: Evolution over a Decade’. (JKH)
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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