Business
Sampath Bank extends Strategic Partnership with Paycorp International
Sampath Bank PLC (Sampath Bank), in partnership with Paycorp International (Private) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bancstac (Paycorp International), became the first local bank to enable businesses to automatically generate dynamic merchant LankaQR codes through the Sampath Bank Payment Gateway without any technical integration required by the merchant. This innovation allows businesses to accept payments from all LankaQR enabled apps and digital wallets at much lower transaction costs than traditional credit card payment methods.
Sampath Bank customers at present can accept payments from Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay International card through the Sampath Payment Gateway and in partnership with Paycorp International, businesses can also accept American Express, Diners Club and Discover Network.
Darshin Pathinayake, Assistant General Manager Card Centre, Sampath Bank, said: “At Sampath Bank, we have always strived to leverage emerging technologies to deliver innovative solutions that transform Sri Lanka’s financial services landscape, and add more value to the nation. Empowering businesses with the necessary finances and the right solutions through every stage of their growth journey remains one of our key areas of focus. We have continued to enable businesses to take their first steps into the world of digital commerce. We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Paycorp International and in so doing enhance our customers’ payment acceptance capabilities. Sampath Bank business and government customers may now seamlessly accept payments from six of the world’s major issuers and LankaQR, which will help drive sales and business growth. This is yet another innovative solution to have been developed through our longstanding partnership with Paycorp International. We invite businesses of all sizes to simplify the payments processes on their e-commerce portals and internet connected devices.”
Evan Lau, Director, Bancstac, said: “We are committed to a vision of modernising Sri Lanka’s digital payment economy and promoting cashless transactions by launching innovative and frictionless payment experiences for businesses, government and the communities we serve. Our long-term strategic partnership with Sampath Bank has enabled us to achieve many firsts. Our latest innovation, LankaQR dynamic presented codes by merchants via the Sampath Payment Gateway, further reinforces our track record of successfully developing and launching modern payment technology ecosystems. Enabling LankaQR to achieve near real-time payment and settlement capability that democratises e-commerce by making it more accessible and affordable for businesses to accept digital payments without any technical knowledge.”
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
