Business
People’s Bank introduces Vanitha Saviya loan facility for women
In line with the government’s development drive, People’s Bank introduced the Vanitha Saviya loan scheme in 2020 to empower Sri Lanka’s women entrepreneurs.
This loan was designed for women who are engaged in micro or small-scale businesses or for those who start a business. Another main objective of this loan scheme is to lessen the financial burden of the women who were engaged in businesses during COVID-19 pandemic period.
For those who are already running successful businesses, the Vanitha Saviya loan scheme from People’s Bank allows them to obtain a facility up to Rs. 500,000 or a working capital loan of Rs. 200,000. For those just starting out, an amount of up to Rs. 120,000 can be obtained. With an interest that that will not fluctuate until the loan is settled, the Vanitha Saviya loan scheme is designed to put the applicant’s needs at the core of its premise.
Deputy General Manager of the People’s Bank (Enterprise Banking) Ms. Krishani Narangoda expressed her views. The Vanitha Saviya loan scheme was mainly introduced by the People’s Bank to empower the country’s women and engage women on income earning activities. This loan scheme was introduced in line with the Governments national policy framework of Vistas of Prosperity.
‘To raise the national economy, rural economy should be developed. The contribution of women is important for the income generation and therefore it is vital that leadership capabilities of the women are improved. Through this, the development of entrepreneurship, the economy of the country and the standard of living of the Sri Lankans can be achieved’.
Assistant General Manager (Development & Micro Finance) Mrs. U S Girty expressed her views. To be eligible for Vanitha Saviya loan scheme she should be a micro or small-scale business woman who has been carrying on her business for over 6 months continuously. Above conditions do not apply for women who make 40% or more contribution either in cash or goods.
The applicant should be between 25- 65 years of age. It is essential that the loan applicant resides in the operative area or carrying on the business in that area. In addition, the applicant should not be a defaulter to any bank or should not be a guarantor for such a loan. The business she conducts should produce goods or services that are in high demand and she should have a sound technical knowledge required for the business.
Loan repayment period is maximum 5 years which includes a maximum concessionary period of 3 months for fixed assets investment loans. For working capital loans the repayment period is maximum 3 years. A unique feature of this scheme is according to the business and its income the installment payments could be decided.
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
