Business
Nations Trust Bank extends partnership with WNPS for 5th consecutive year
From left to right: Ayura Perera : Personal Assistant, Legal & Secretarial (NTB), Jehan CanagaRetna -General Secretary (WNPS), Spencer Manuelpillai-Vice President (WNPS) , Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne – president (WNPS), Priyantha Talwatte – Director / Chief Executive Officer (NTB), Theja Silva Group Company Secretary/ Head of CSR (NTB), Hemantha Gunetilleke- Deputy Chief Executive Officer (NTB), Sanjaya Senarath- Chief Marketing Officer (NTB), Chintake Yapa – Assistant Vice President – Sustainability (NTB), Harini Udugampola -Senior Manager – Legal Security Documentation (NTB)
Continuing its commitment to environmental stewardship, Nations Trust Bank recently renewed its partnership with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS). The Bank signed an agreement to become the sole sponsor of WNPS’s publications – ‘LORIS’, ‘Warana/Varanam’ biannual magazines and ‘The Jungle Telegraph’ quarterly newsletter in addition to funding the organization’s Monthly Lecture series.
Commenting on Nations Trust Bank’s efforts to strengthen their relationship with WNPS was Priyantha Talwatte, Director/Chief Executive Officer at Nations Trust Bank. “It is truly an honor and privilege for Nations Trust Bank to be able to continue to support WNPS, one of the oldest societies of its kind in the entire world. Nations Trust Bank is committed to deliver sustainable long-term impact and our choice of partnership with WNPS is an investment of ensuring the Sri Lanka’s fauna, flora and biodiversity is protected for the future generations. Through this partnership, the two renowned publications Loris, Warana/Waranam, and the Nations WNPS monthly lecture series will be able to expand its reach and educate our citizens to become more sensitive and better appreciate Sri Lanka’s unique biodiversity. The goal for both organizations is to collectively build an ecological consciousness and create a better world for generations to come.”
Published by the WNPS for the past 85 years, LORIS, Sri Lanka’s oldest wildlife and conservation journal includes the latest scientific research and environmental understanding to create awareness on species at risk and current conservation efforts to save the country’s biodiversity. The journal also features anecdotal narratives accompanied by photographs of the flora and fauna.
Warana, the magazine first published in Sinhala in 1976, which later added a Tamil counterpart called Varanam, is the country’s first bilingual magazine on nature. The magazine features research conducted by local university students including insightful articles and information on environmental issues and conflicts.
The Nations WNPS monthly lecture series brings together a lineup of environmental experts to share information on topics ranging from plastic pollution and unsustainable fishing practices to the latest endemic bird to the leopards of Wilpattu National Park. The 60-minute lecture and Q&A session aims to educate and encourage the public to take action in various conservation fronts.
Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne, President of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society said, “WNPS would like to express our gratitude towards Nations Trust Bank for constantly advocating for our organization, allowing us to continue shaping the wildlife and nature protection agenda of Sri Lanka. Through collaborations such as this longstanding partnership with Nations Trust Bank, we’re able to conduct scientific research and keep the public informed about the importance of wildlife and nature conservation in this country and protect it from further destruction.”
For years, Nations Trust Bank has implemented multiple environmental initiatives to foster biodiversity research and education, reforestation and species conservation and climate change action. The most recent being the ‘Mihikathata Avurudu’ program, where the Bank will plant a sapling across a one-acre land in the Hiyare Rainforest on behalf of every customer who opened a new Current Account, Savings Account or an Investment Plan with the Bank during the week of Avurudu.
Nations Trust Bank PLC is among the top 15 business establishments in Sri Lanka as ranked by Business Today. Stemming from its vision of “helping people and businesses by providing financial services and information to achieve their goals and aspirations in a sustainable way”, the Bank serves a diverse range of customers across both individual and corporate, with an enviable portfolio of banking and financial products and services. Strongly focused on digital empowerment through cutting-edge digital banking technologies, the Bank is a pioneer in many innovative customer centric banking solutions such as extended banking hours, and FriMi – Sri Lanka’s first digital banking experience. Delivering premium value, service and connecting its Card Members to rewarding experiences and opportunities Nations Trust Bank PLC is an issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka. The Bank operates 96 branches across the country and has an ATM network covering 127 locations and 48 Cash Deposit & Withdrawal Machines, plus more than 3,700 ATMs on the Lanka Pay Network.
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.”