Business
Leading the way in exploring export markets
As Sri Lanka powers through its worst economic crisis in recent history, it’s now more important than ever for exporters to establish their footholds in the market. However, resources for entry-level exporters remain scarce. Recognising the changing and evolving needs of its loyal client base, the pioneer of the banking industry Sampath Bank PLC recently organised a webinar titled ‘LEAD THE WAY: EXPLORE EXPORT MARKETS’ in partnership with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Industrial Development Board (IDB) to address this very timely issue.
The webinar was held for entry-level exporters with the dual intentions of fostering and encouraging local entry-level exporters to advance their businesses, and strengthening ties between private and public stakeholder institutions to synergise the service being offered to local exporters.
Conducted in Sinhala by a 90% preferred choice, the webinar featured IDB Director General Priyanka Ratnamalala and EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Suresh D. de Mel. Joining them, and representing Sampath Bank PLC, were the Senior Deputy General Manager – Corporate Banking – Shashi Kandambi Jassim, and Assistant General Manager – Information Technology – Dushyantha Dassanayake.
A wide range of relevant topics were covered by the speakers: Priyanka Ratnamalala– in his presentation of ‘Are you comprehensively export ready?’ covered strategic business and strategy formulation; Suresh D. de Mel conducted a session on introduction to export markets and understanding the export markets, while Shashi Kandambi Jassim spoke on the topic of Sampath Bank’s role in providing export service facilities; and finally, Dushyantha Dassanayake elaborated on exports and online marketing.
Delivering the opening remarks for the event, Sampath Bank PLC, Managing Director – Nanda Fernando reiterated the priority given by Sampath Bank to its customers. “Since Sampath Bank was founded in 1987, the most important part of the bank’s journey was its customers,” he said, adding: “We have always believed it’s a bank’s responsibility to provide customers with the necessities to do successful business. Therefore, we have introduced this timely initiative in partnership with relevant organisations, which we hope will help our customers.”
This webinar, covering the export market in general, was the first in a planned series of events by Sampath Bank PLC. The Bank aims to conduct more webinars targeting regions and specific industries in the future, catering to the needs of their customer base whilst helping entry-level exporters gain a stronger foothold in the market.
Despite the contemporary obstacles faced by the banking sector in Sri Lanka, Sampath Bank has successfully maintained all its capital ratios well above regulatory requirements throughout Q1 2022. All the while, Sampath Bank has implemented all government-led moratorium schemes for eligible customer segments affected by the pandemic. The Bank’s digitalization strategy has also continued to prove its worth during these trying times by securing a more accessible and safer banking experience for customers.
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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