Business
‘Resilient financial performance while caring for all stakeholders’
With the COVID – 19 pandemic coming in waves throughout 2020, certain industries have come to a complete standstill causing considerably slower growth in advanced and emerging economies. The first nine months of this year has therefore been one of the most challenging periods in recent times.
Inevitably, the Bank’s financial results too suffered in the first nine months of 2020. Low interest rates, restrictions on fee-based income, subdued economic activities both locally and globally coupled with the two-month island-wide lockdown due to COVID-19 were the main reasons that impacted Sampath Bank’s performance during this period. Moreover, in the light of depressed market conditions, the Bank adopted a more conservative approach to making a significant amount of additional impairment provisions on foreign currency denominated government bonds as well as on loans and advances, which together have been responsible for a sizable profit erosion. However, the Bank reported a reduced profit for the period under review which can be considered as a promising result in the wake of these economic headwinds.
Despite the negative headwinds affecting its financial performance, Sampath Bank continued to prioritize the needs of all stakeholders. The Bank reiterated its commitment to support its customers by providing them with sustainable solutions to overcome this difficult time. The Bank took swift action to implement the COVID – 19 relief schemes for the benefit of customers. Accordingly, approximately 50% of the Bank’s customers enjoyed the moratorium relief. Further, Sampath Bank also actively participated in the government-led refinance scheme and granted approximately Rs 8 Bn worth of working capital loans. Going beyond the government’s relief measures, the Bank took independent action to evaluate the customer requirements on a case by case basis and provided customized and more affordable solutions.
Although the spread of COVID-19 was well controlled in the third quarter of this year, the reimposition of movement restrictions in response to the second wave will no doubt push back Sri Lanka’s anticipated economic recovery. For its part, Sampath Bank has made all necessary arrangements to ensure its smooth operation in the event of a nation-wide lockdown.
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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