Business
Mahindra IDEAL Finance opens doors in Chilaw
Adding to its expanding network of islandwide branches, Mahindra IDEAL Finance, one of Sri Lanka’s premier financial services providers, recently opened its new branch in Chilaw. Located at 22, Shirley Corea Mawatha, Chilaw, the new branch provides customers with a modern and well-designed space, reflective of the Company’s ideals. Customers in the region can now conveniently and comfortably access Mahindra IDEAL Finance’s extensive portfolio of financial products and services, which include fixed deposits, gold loans and leasing. The new branch was declared officially open amidst a special opening ceremony held in the presence of valued customers, staff, special guests and senior officials representing Mahindra IDEAL Finance’s senior management team.
Discussing the new branch and the Company’s network expansion strategy, Duminda Weerasekara – Chief Executive Officer at Mahindra IDEAL Finance Limited said, “Furthering our network expansion, we are now focusing on the regional economic centres around the island. Chilaw has a coloured history and plenty of natural beauty, including a glorious stretch of coastline, making it a favourite amongst tourists. The area is also known for its agricultural and industrial activities. This makes Chilaw an area of interest for us, as we aim to target an increasingly diverse clientele across Sri Lanka, as it serves as an economic and social centre for tourists and communities in the town and surrounding areas. Therefore, we believe that by establishing a presence in Chilaw, we are adding value to our islandwide presence, while also helping local communities across the Puttalam District create value in their daily lives, and for all Sri Lankans, through productive economic activity.”
Mahindra IDEAL Finance Limited, Chilaw marks the Company’s third physical location within the North Western Province, alongside Kurunegala and Kuliyapitiya, also significant commercial centres within the Province. The new Chilaw Branch will also help to create many employment opportunities for members of the local community, as Mahindra IDEAL Finance Limited has been recognized as an employer of choice for those seeking to build careers in Sri Lanka’s financial services industry, with the Company having received the accolade of being a Great Place to Work™ for 3 years consecutively.
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.”