Business
Sampath Bank is Euromoney’s Best Bank in Sri Lanka for the 5th time
Sampath Bank, among Sri Lanka’s leading financial institutions, has been honoured with the esteemed “Best Bank in Sri Lanka” award by Euromoney for the year 2023. This recognition acknowledges the bank’s remarkable achievements, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in the banking industry.
The accolade was presented to Sampath Bank’s Managing Director, Ayodhya Iddawela Perera during the grand award ceremony held in Hong Kong recently. Euromoney Awards for Excellence are renowned for recognizing top-performing banks globally, making this recognition a testament to Sampath Bank’s exceptional performance and dedication to delivering world-class financial services.
Speaking on this achievement, Managing Director of Sampath Bank Ayodhya Iddawela Perera said, “We are deeply honoured to be recognized as the ‘Best Bank in Sri Lanka’ by Euromoney for the fifth time in the last 10 years. With a drive to provide world-class financial services, backed by a relentless pursuit of excellence, this award motivates us to strive even harder to meet the evolving needs of our valued customers and deliver innovative solutions that empower their financial aspirations. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our stakeholders, including our customers, employees, and partners, for their support and trust in Sampath Bank.”
Sampath Bank has a history of accolades from Euromoney, having secured the “Best Bank in Sri Lanka” award on four previous occasions: in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Winning this prestigious award for the fifth time in the last 10 years further fortifies Sampath Bank’s position as a trailblazer within the local banking industry. Despite the extremely adverse conditions present in Sri Lanka over the past year, the Bank was still able to display a standout performance.
Country awards in the larger markets in Asia-Pacific included the award for Best Bank in Hong Kong which went to HSBC; Best Bank in Singapore to UOB; Best Bank in China to China Merchant Bank and Best Bank in Malaysia to CIMB Bank.
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.”