Business
Lanka Hospitals Diagnostics and Koko collaborate
Lanka Hospitals Diagnostics (LHD) recently partnered with the region’s largest ‘Buy Now – Pay Later’ (BNPL) App, Koko. LHD is the first laboratory service to partner up with Koko whereby LHD clients are offered the convenience of making payments in three interest-free instalments.
Koko, launched in 2020 is a venture by Sri Lanka’s largest e-commerce company Daraz. The service quickly gained popularity post-COVID-19 due to the convenience it offered to users to pay in 3 equal instalments within 60 days at 0% interest. Koko’s focus on catering to both credit and debit cardholders has resulted in outstanding growth within a short span of time, with the App counting over 500,000 users and 2000+ merchants across the island at present.
“LHD focuses on cutting-edge technological advancements and gears its innovations to keep abreast with international medical laboratory standards. We believe that every Sri Lankan deserves to be treated through insights gathered from an accurate medical laboratory report. LHD’s partnership with Koko signifies the commitment to make quality healthcare affordable to all Sri Lankans.” said Dr. Geethani Galagoda, Head of Laboratories of LHD.
Dr. Galagoda further stated that the unprecedented economic challenges have compelled the majority of citizens to prioritise their spending. She further highlighted the salience of prioritising healthcare spending over other forms of expenses, as negligence in primary screening laboratory tests can exacerbate to greater health complications that will demand a greater amount of spending which will severely compromise the quality of living.
Being a groundbreaker in Sri Lanka’s fintech industry, Koko aims to bring financial freedom and convenience to its customers, whilst enabling growth for brands, retailers and businesses. Koko’s intent to serve the 18 million debit cardholder base and beyond in Sri Lanka has proven to be fruitful, allowing the App to penetrate deep into the Sri Lankan population.
“Koko is, first and foremost, committed to bettering the lives of all Sri Lankans, whether
it be financial freedom or in this instance, affordable access to lifesaving services. Our partnership
with LHD is a testament to that mission. We are excited to collaborate with a pioneer in medical laboratory services and offer our users the convenience of easy instalment plans for important diagnostic services with just a simple sign-up for access to instant credit limits and interest free instalments, even with a debit card.” – Naheed Zainudeen, Head of Commercial – Daraz Financial Services.
Being a trailblazer in medical laboratory services, LHD stands tall as the only College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited lab chain with an extensive presence across the country counting over 50 fully owned laboratory outlets and 9 minilabs, coupled with the globally accredited, state-of-the-art, reference laboratory complex at Narahenpita. Through this extensive presence, LHD has enabled all citizens of Sri Lanka to benefit from top notch diagnostic services at affordable prices.
A fully owned subsidiary of Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC, LHD is the first Sri Lankan laboratory to consistently be accredited with CAP for over 6 years since 2017 to date, a solid proof for the unmatched high standards achieved by LHD spearheading the benchmark for achieving quality at an affordable price in the healthcare industry and now ensuring that innovation and technology supports its customers wherever needed.
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.”