Business
Onepay becomes Sri Lanka’s first payment gateway to be ISO-certified
Spemai (Pvt) Ltd which launched its mobile payment application- Onepay last year recently obtained ISO 27001 for Security Management- the very first payment gateway in Sri Lanka to have obtained this certification. The certification was obtained by the well-known certification body, Bureau Veritas.
Following the Onepay app which was a success, Spemai launched Onepay payment gateway which was a major step in their business strategy of becoming a one big force in the fin-tech industry locally and globally. Enabling the traditional role of a bank to be facilitated by a third party, Onepay payment gateway has simplified the process for both the merchant and the customer. The payment gateway also removes the hassle of providing bank account details for customers for transactions by replacing them with a common link. “Very often merchants are unable to trace the payment sources and this payment gateway enables a reading of all payments which is very convenient,” says Spemai’s CTO, Salitha Herath.
Implementing a security zone with internationally recognized certification of this nature is envisaged to be garnering multiple benefits, notes Spemai’s CTO. “Our focus is on customer and industry security while enhancing our technology. Almost 80% of the Sri Lankan population is yet to adapt to the latest technology and in order to help them charter this journey from ‘offline’ to ‘online,’ ensuring the security of these online platforms is vital.” Such security measures could protect customers from possible scams and frauds, says Herath.
The ISO certification will offer both customer and merchants of the payment gateway to be confident of a ‘protected environment’ when converting to online platforms. This could attract more users of a platform which could grow with evolving modern technology as well, remarks Herath. “Being an ISO-certified company would require us to align our processes with the best global practices and ethics while exploring new opportunities which include solutions, products and services,” says Herath. He also avers that certification of this nature could help companies to position themselves in such as a way in the market so that an overall positive and a confident mindset is fostered among the staff and stakeholders.
COVID-pandemic has driven many Sri Lankans to adapt to ‘cashless transactions’ using technology. Onepay payment gateway has given it a further thrust, says Co-Founder of Spemai and CEO, Amila Fernando. “Our merchant base has grown to about 500 now comprising largely SME’s and MSMEs. They include food and beverage, education, E-commerce, web development, digital marketing, clothing and hospitality sectors.” The operating model of ‘visibility’ helps Spemai to maintain the highest standards at all times in the best interest of its payment gateway, says Fernando further.
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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