Business
NSB receives Real Time Gross Settlement status
Inaugurated in 1972 by the late finance minister Dr. N.M. Perera the NSB today is a force to be reckoned with in the Sri Lanka’s finance industry. In its long journey the bank was able to revolutionize the banking sector by providing its services akin with new technology and new outlook.
Today we are celebrating another monumental achievement by the NSB. The bank has been granted the RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) status by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the special facility which enables the bank to perform transfer of large sums of money on transaction-by-transaction basis, with secure and realtime.
RTGS facility enables NSB customers and its internal operations to transfer funds seamlessly and with the security and the supervision of CBSL. By using the RTGS system the customers can transfer any amount of funds to any other bank with the RTGS facility which means there’s no cap to money transfers, it can be used 24 x 7 x 365 days, people can enjoy the benefit of RTGS facility at their convenience with the NSB internet banking facility or using the NSB Pay app, where fund transfers can be initiated without visiting a bank branch. All the transactions are backed by the law means there’s a legal support for each transaction take place.
Also, this is the first time a specialized bank is given the RTGS membership. General populace is familiar with some of the technical terms used in the financial industry like as; OD, TOD, FD, LC etc.
With the intoduction of RTGS, the inter bank and fund transfer methods have shifted to another level. Especially when it comes to investing in treasury bills and securities the RTGS provids a very practical solution and it also enhances the quality of the customer service. With the implementation of the Bank’s Core Banking System and Treasury Management System the bank will be able to reap the full benefit of the RTGS membership.
The National Savings Bank is thankful for the leadership of CBSL in achieving the RTGS membership where the bank acknowledges efforts by CBSL being the driving force in the development of national payment and settlement systems in the country. Also, in making our payment systems Safe, Secure, Sound, Efficient and Accessible throughout the country.
Gaining this membership was a process and the employees who were responsible in securing the physical and technological know-how and assets are the main reasons behind this achievement.
Effects of the Covid 19 global pandemic was monumental, its negative impacts were felt across the Sri Lankan economy during 2020 and in 2021. Despite such atrocities the CBSL was able to safeguard our internal economy while stabilizing the monetary system. As a result, the NSB was able to earn a record-breaking profit in the 2021 financial year with the support of employees amid the pandemic.
The official event to mark the occasion was held at NSB head office on 1st February 2022 under the patronage of Governor of the CBSL Ajith Nivard Cabral accompanied by Chairperson of NSB Keasila Jayawardena, Board of Directors and the top management of the Bank. Also participated by, the Deputy Governor of the CBSL Ms. TMJYP Fernando, Assistant Governors, Directors of Payment and Settlement & Domestic Operations Divisions, Chairman and the CEO of Lanka Clear.
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.”