Business
NSB’s total asset base grew by 17.8% to Rs. 1.4 trillion in 2020
The Annual Report 2020 of National Savings Bank (NSB) was presented to. Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapakse and State Minister of Money & Capital Market and State Enterprise, Reforms, Ajith Niward Kabraal, recently at the Temple Tress by the Chairperson of NSB, Mrs. Keasila Jayawardena.
Despite the heightened uncertainty due to the impact of Covid-19, the performance of the Bank over the year was characterized by strength and resilience. The Total asset base of the Bank grew by 17.8% to Rs. 1.4 Tn. as at 31 December 2020 from Rs. 1.2 Tn. as at 31 December 2019. The Bank recorded its highest ever Profit Before Tax and Profit After Tax in 2020 and both were aided by the Government’s stimulus initiatives introduced in late 2019. The Bank’s Profit Before Tax was Rs. 15.6 Bn., a 49.5% increase from Rs. 10.5 Bn. in 2019 and the Bank’s Profit After Tax of Rs. 10.1 Bn. recorded a 58.4% increase from Rs. 6.4 Bn. in 2019.
While the Government have responded with necessary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 the Bank also took part in implementing government-led relief measures by providing the Debt moratorium scheme aimed at supporting Covid-19 affected businesses and individuals. The Chairperson of NSB, Mrs. Keasila Jayawardena stated that providing the moratorium for the year 2020 has been concluded successfully and offering the same for the year 2021 is in progress.
Mrs. Jayawardena further stated that the Bank has introduced a special loan scheme for retired government employees at the concessionary interest rate of 6.75%. Accordingly, the pensioners can obtain loans under the scheme for a repayment period of 15 years.
The momentum continued during the first quarter of 2021 as well. During the period under review, the Bank’s Profit before Taxes, witnessed a growth of 198.2% to Rs. 8.3 Bn and consequently, Profit after Tax has also recorded a growth of 276.8% to reach Rs. 6.7 Bn compared to the Rs. 1.8 Bn reported in the corresponding period of the last year.
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.”
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