Business
LOLC Al-Falaah bags multiple accolades at SLIBFI 2019/20
Reaffirming its status as Sri Lanka’s most awarded Alternate Financial services brand, LOLC Al-Falaah won multiple awards at the 9th Sri Lanka Islamic Banking & Finance Industry (SLIBFI) awards which was held virtually for the first time.
LOLC Al-Falaah won the ‘Gold’ award for ‘Leasing Company of the year’ with a ‘Silver’ award for ‘Window of the year’ and a ‘Bronze’ award for ‘Entity of the year’ for the financial year 2019/20. Furthermore, the company’s ‘Mudharabah super saver’ account introduced earlier in the year won a ‘Merit’ award for the category of ‘Product of the year for 2019/20’. Another key accolade under the category ‘Rising Islamic Finance Personality of the year for financial year 2019/20 was awarded to LOLC Al-Falaah’s In-house Scholar Advisor, Ash-Shaikh Ubaidullah Iqbal.
Held for the ninth consecutive year, the SLIBFI awards are the most prestigious awards organised within the Alternate Financial services industry of Sri Lanka to recognise individuals and institutions that made significant contributions to the industry during the 2019/20 financial year. UTO EduConsult organises the SLIBFI Awards in conjunction with KPMG, whose key role is to ensure an impartial evaluation process. An independent panel of judges of repute, under the guidance of KPMG, also assists in the final adjudications. The SLIBFI Awards take into consideration the performances of licensed commercial banks, finance institutions, insurance providers, capital market funds, and education institutes.
Commenting on the achievements, Shiraz Refai, Deputy General Manager of LOLC Al-Falaah said, “We are truly pleased with these multiple wins, this year too. This could not have been possible without the continued patronage and support of our valued customers, all stakeholders and the dedication of our talented staff across the LOLC Finance branch network for their untiring dedication and effort which has propelled LOLC Al-Falaah to become the most trusted brand in Sri Lanka for Alternate Financial services. Our commitment is emphasised further, as the SLIBFI recognition for ‘Upcoming Young Industry Talent’ was secured by one of our very own”.
Krishan Thilakaratne, LOLC Group Head of Alternate Finance said, “I believe that LOLC AL-Falaah’s winning streak is purely due to the trust and confidence that our customers have placed in us. Added with our talent pool to build strengthened relationships with all stakeholders, LOLC Al-Falaah will continue to be a household name as always”.
LOLC Al-Falaah, with over a decade of experience in the Alternate Finance landscape of Sri Lanka, functions directly under the auspices of LOLC Finance PLC, which is Sri Lanka’s largest non-banking financial institution (NBFI). LOLC Finance which is a regulated Finance Company of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is rated [SL] A with stable outlook by ICRA Lanka Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ICRA Ltd.
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.”


