Business
LOLC Al-Falaah wins multiple golds at the slibfi-awards 2022
LOLC Al-Falaah was felicitated with two prominent awards within the Islamic Banking and Finance services sector in Sri Lanka, at the 11th edition of the SLIBFI (Sri Lanka Islamic Banking and Financial Institution) awards. Securing the GOLD award for ‘Leasing Company of the Year’ and GOLD award for ‘Window of the Year’ were significant, as LOLC Al-Falaah have won these awards consecutively over the years. Whilst receiving the Bronze award for ‘Entity of the Year’, an innovative product option ‘Wakalah Speed-Draft’ launched earlier in the year secured the Bronze award for ‘Product of the Year’. With the newest additions, Al-Falaah reaffirms the trust placed in them persistently, as the ‘Most awarded Alternate Financial services provider in Sri Lanka.
LOLC AL-Falaah is the alternate financial services brand of LOLC Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka’s largest and most diversified multinational conglomerate with operations in 22 countries in Asia and Africa. The brand dominates the alternate financial services segment in Sri Lanka, as a Strategic Business Unit (SBU) of LOLC Finance PLC (LOFC), Sri Lanka’s largest Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI). LOLC Al-Falaah, has a strong brand identity and brand acceptance with a history of over 15 years within the industry. Al-Falaah performed strongly in 2021/22 to record an impressive Finance portfolio growth of over 51% reaching Rs. 23.44 Bn from its previous year’s book of Rs. 15.47 Bn while sustaining a Deposits portfolio of Rs. 12.52 Bn. Committed to safeguarding investors, LOLC Al-Falaah has distributed Profits to Depositors amounting to Rs. 735 Mn, and secured a 36% increase in Profit before Tax, demonstrating a strong stature despite the volatile economic conditions during the year.
Commenting on the remarkable achievement Director/ Chief Executive Officer of LOLC Finance PLC, Krishan Thilakaratne said; “these constant awards we receive reinstates that LOLC Al-Falaah is ahead of the curve in terms of market leadership, innovation and trust, under the umbrella of the largest NBFI in the country, LOLC Finance. We compete even with other banks because of its sound portfolio quality which is 100% asset backed. Our non-performing loans too are the lowest in the industry which reflects the credit quality and professional management of our finances”.
Also commenting, Mr. Shiraz Refai, Head of Alternate Financial Services, LOLC Finance said, “Our commitment to ensuring our Customers financial needs are tailor-made to modern-day complex requirements, together with emphasis on determination and attention-to-detail, customer care service offered by LOLC Finance staff are the key reasons that we were honoured by these multiple awards. On behalf of the Team, we’re honoured to receive ‘Leasing Company of the Year–Gold’ and ‘Window of the Year-Gold’ for the third and second consecutive years respectively and recognition for both Entity of the Year and Product of the Year’. I believe that our performance and recognition roots from the trust and confidence that our Customers have placed in us, together with the untiring efforts of our professional staff members.”
The awarding ceremony was concluded on the 14th of October 2022 at Ramada Hotel, Colombo. The awarding body, UTO EduConsult (UTO), an organization with a long-reputed history, has initiated this awarding event to acknowledge and to recognise the efforts made by the Islamic Banking and Financial sector in Sri Lanka. In awarding the titles, the applicants profiles have been reviewed and accessed based on their audited financial data pertaining to the year under consideration, by a reputed panel of judges.
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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