Business
Mahindra IDEAL Finance set to create new opportunities in Gampaha District
Negombo is one of the key economic centres of the Gampaha district, the 2nd largest contributor to economic activity in Sri Lanka’s most-populous province, the Western Province. Cognizant of the need for new opportunities for entrepreneurs, and also for those seeking employment and careers in the banking and finance space, Mahindra IDEAL Finance Limited is pleased to announce the opening of its new branch in Negombo.
Located at 293/1, Main Road, Negombo, the new Negombo Branch of Mahindra IDEAL Finance is the latest addition to the Company’s fast-growing, islandwide network of branches and touchpoints. A non-banking financial institution registered with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Mahindra IDEAL Finance is a lender of choice for entrepreneurs and SMEs in the rural and semi-urban areas.
Discussing the new addition to its branch network, Mr. Duminda Weerasekara – Chief Executive Officer at Mahindra IDEAL Finance said, “Our impetus in expanding our operations to Negombo is threefold. We are looking to provide aspiring entrepreneurs in Negombo and the surrounding areas with opportunities to grow and expand their businesses. Negombo is a regional economic, social and financial centre. It is also a hub for tourism and fisheries, while the surrounding areas are hotspots for agriculture, industry and other businesses. Alongside this, we understand that Negombo is home to a significant population of affluent and wealthy individuals, thus we want to capture their attention and provide them with meaningful investment opportunities. The region is also home to exceptional talent in the form of young and aspiring people looking to build careers in finance, and we would like to extend opportunities to them as well, benefitting mutually, and growing together.”
Mahindra IDEAL Finance Limited is an employer of choice within the financial services space in Sri Lanka, having been tipped as a Great Place to Work for 3 years, consecutively. The Company is also interested in shoring up its human capital and believes that its new Negombo branch can assist in this endeavour, as it seeks to further expand its operations across Sri Lanka. The Company’s rapid network expansion drive comes in the wake of Mahindra and Mahindra Financial Services Limited, India acquiring a controlling stake in IDEAL Finance Limited in 2021, subsequent to which Fitch Ratings upgraded the Company’s rating to AA – (lka) with a stable outlook, as it is now backed by a global financial services giant.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
