Business
PLC Champions Aspirations: Gift of running shoes uplifts CP/W/A Rathnayaka Central College athletes
People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC) – Sri Lanka’s leading non-banking financial services provider – continues its commitment to social responsibility with a recent project to support the sporting passions and aspirations of rural schoolchildren, leaving a lasting impact on the community. The project involved the donation of spiked running shoes to athletes of the sports academy at CP/W/A Rathnayaka Central College, Menikhinna.
This project was inspired as a result of PLC’s support of Ms. Tharushi Senarathna, the accomplished female athlete who recently brought pride to Sri Lanka by winning a gold medal in the Women’s 800m at the Asian Games. As an alumna of CP/W/A Rathnayaka Central College, Ms. Senarathna’s success exemplifies the school’s commitment to producing high-achieving athletes.
In fact, the athletes at CP/W/A Rathnayaka Central College have consistently demonstrated excellence by securing victories in all-island school competitions and earning numerous medals at national-level athletic events. Recognizing the dedication and talent of these students, PLC undertook this initiative to provide much-needed running shoes to the athletes.
As communicated by the Principal of CP/W/A Rathnayaka Central College, where a dynamic group of over 70 students actively engages in athletics, PLC, has extended its support to a selected group of deserving athletes, identified for their commitment and talent, now have the essential athletic gear required to pursue and excel in their passion for sports. PLC, through this strategic collaboration, continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing and empowering talented individuals within the community, contributing to the development of aspiring athletes.
CEO and General Manager, Mr. Shamindra Marcelline commented saying, “At PLC, we believe in helping people; no matter who they are, we want to support people and take a risk on their behalf so they can shine as stars and bring glory to themselves and the country. This social upliftment project thus reflects our dedication to empowering the younger generation, fostering talent, and contributing to their holistic development. We are proud to support the athletes of CP/W/A Rathnayaka Central College and contribute to their educational journey. We wish them all the very best and hope to see some rising stars in the future. Furthermore, we are also willing to provide up to three employment opportunities for students from the school, annually. This opportunity is open to promising students, providing them the benefit to chase their aspirations in sports and pursue a fulfilling career to secure financial support.
Athletes face an increased risk of injuries, some with the potential for permanent or partial disability, impacting both their performance and income. Recognizing these challenges, PLC has offered Ms. Tharushi Senarathna a complimentary and comprehensive disability insurance plan, valid for the next 10 years. This coverage ensures that in the event of any incidents occurring within the next decade, she retains the ability to make a claim. Additionally, PLC is providing internal employment opportunities to contribute to securing her financial stability while she continues to pursue her sports career. Such initiatives, aligned with broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and goals, underscore PLC’s commitment to responsible corporate practices, positively influencing the future generations of Sri Lanka.
About PLC
People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, a licensed non-banking financial institution in Sri Lanka, is renowned for its innovation and unwavering commitment to providing tailored financial solutions. With a solid foundation, a diverse product portfolio, and a commitment to excellence, PLC has emerged as a leader in the financial services sector. As a subsidiary of People’s Bank, PLC continues to strengthen its position as a trusted and respected provider of financial services, fostering growth and prosperity for the people of Sri Lanka.
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.”


