Business
Richardson appoints new Director Finance
Richardson Holdings announced the appointment of Portia Jayamaha as their new Finance Director, an experienced finance leader who has worked in senior roles across several industries.
Portia brings with her a wealth of industry –related financial experience with responsibilities in Finance, Strategy, Technology, Lean and Business Transformation. Over the years she has accumulated experience in different industries which include Healthcare, Engineering, Leisure, Technology, Banking, Garments, Manufacturing, Retail, NGOs, etc.
“I am pleased to welcome Portia as the newest member of Richardson’s leadership team. Ms. Jayamaha brings a wealth of knowledge and successful leadership experience that I know will be a tremendous asset to the organization.” said Nazri Nizar, Managing Director of Richardson Holdings.
Ms. Jayamaha is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, Member of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK, Graduate from University of Sri Jayewardenepura in BSc accountancy Sp. and an MBA holder from University of Queensland. She also serves as the Alternate Chair of Women Empowerment and Leadership Development Committee of ICASL Sri Lanka.
Prior to joining Richardson Holdings, Portia worked as Director Finance and Transformation Lead at Hemas Hospitals Group heading Finance, IT & Digital, Lean, Strategy & Transformation and chaired many committees. During this time, she also implemented a Business Intelligence platform to support real time decision making and has led the implementation of front & back-end systems, taken the Hemas hospitals network into digital leadership with many innovative products & introduced Electronic Health records. Furthermore, she was appointed the Project Lead to transform the hospital & Lab group with the consultation of the Boston Consultancy Group (BCG).
Richardson Outdoor has changed the face of Out-of-Home advertising in Sri Lanka. Initially having started as a CSR project, the Company has made significant strides with over the last 2 decades, through its modernized airport advertising, quadrupled bus shelters and increased street signage, making it easier for consumers to find your business.
Established in 1962, Richardson Holdings is a diversified company that delivers high quality electrical engineering, infrastructure and advertising solutions for both public and private sector customers. Over the past 6 decades Richardson Holdings has helped electrify a fifth of the island and is the largest electrical pole and railway sleeper manufacturer in Sri Lanka. The company is also responsible for modernizing Colombo through its pioneered smart street lighting project.
Richardson has grown its reputation for consistency and reliability, while diversifying its product portfolio through its subsidiaries, Richardson Electric, Richardson Engineering and Richardson Outdoor, the largest outdoor advertising company in 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.”