Business
Motor vehicle imports negatively impact General Insurance sector
‘The import of motor vehicles had a detrimental effect on the General Insurance sector, which had a negative growth of 1.3 per cent towards Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 99.5 billion in 2020. The first half of 2021 too recorded a negative growth of 0.3 per cent, president, Insurance Association of Sri Lanka Iftikar Ahamed said.
The Insurance Association of Sri Lanka celebrated National Insurance Day on the 1st of September 2021. Insurance Month will be commemorated to spread awareness about the importance of insurance and its relevance at present. As all industries in the country undergo continuous challenges and changes during the global pandemic, the insurance industry too has been dynamic in its approach to customers in providing timely policy solutions ,an IASL press release said.
.It adds: Iftikar Ahamed, the President of IASL provided a look inside the insurance industry, detailing the changes in the industry landscape and IASL’s role during this time.
“The pandemic has had mixed effects on the insurance industry in the past year. The Life Insurance Industry Gross Written Premium (GWP) grew by 16% to cross the LKR 100 billion threshold in 2020, and the first six months of 2021 saw a growth of 30%, which is a remarkable number despite the effects of the previous year. The import of motor vehicles had a detrimental effect of the General Insurance sector, which had a negative growth of 1.3% towards GWP of LKR 99.5 billion in 2020. The first half of 2021 too recorded a negative growth of 0.3%.
“As the apex body of the industry, insurance awareness month is utilized to spread awareness of the relevance and importance of insurance to every Sri Lankan. We have seen many insurance providers explore new avenues that would be timely solutions for our customers as they push the traditional limits in solutions and selling by transitioning into the digital sphere, reducing overall turnaround times. These have to be taken to the public in quick and efficient ways, where aggressive marketing and sales becomes key. The Insurance Awareness month therefore, becomes more crucial this year.”
Speaking on how the pandemic has affected the industry and the steps taken to ease the burden of those affected as well as the government, Iftikar Ahamed continued “The insurance industry has stood by its policyholders by coming forward to meet their COVID claims despite the pandemic, which is usually an exclusion. Especially during the third and fourth waves honouring claims has been a moment of truth for many customers and a true testimony to the fact that we are there for Sri Lanka.
“In addition, rewarding and recognizing efforts, especially at times such as these, is important for the industry given that their role has been extremely challenging during this period. The National insurance awards took place on 1st September as a virtual event where the brightest and the best talent in the industry received awards for both 2019 and 2020, since we could not have this event last year.”
When asked his opinion on how insurance companies might successfully maintain customer interest, Iftikar Ahamed further added, “The attention and interest of the public on insurance and the protection that it affords is now quite evident. The industry needs to capture this moment and maintain engagement with meaningful benefits whilst ensuring that all policyholders are treated fairly and equitably.”
It is hoped that the message of insurance will be further disseminated following Insurance Month 2021, and that it will result in increased awareness and understanding among the people of Sri Lanka. A subject that can be embedded into the daily life of an individual from dawn to dusk, it is vital that the public can access their preferred insurance solution at the time, place, price and in the manner they want.
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
