Business
‘Sampath PayBand, a revolutionary payment device’
By Ifhaam Nizam
Sampath Bank introduced recently its latest innovation, the Sampath PayBand, a versatile wearable payment device, aiming to revolutionize the transaction landscape in Sri Lanka.
This groundbreaking solution caters to the evolving preferences of the younger generation and tech-savvy consumers, marking a significant milestone as the country’s first of its kind. Sampath PayBand heralds a new era in convenient and secure transactions.
Tharaka Ranwala, Senior DGM – Marketing, Customer Care & Card Centre, highlighted Sampath Bank’s pioneering role with the launch of Sampath PayBand, stating, “Sampath PayBand undoubtedly positions Sampath Bank as a trailblazer in banking innovation. This revolutionary wearable payment device signifies a significant leap forward in convenience and underscores Sampath Bank’s commitment to meeting evolving customer needs.”
Regarding the target market, Ranwala noted that while Sampath PayBand caters to a broad demographic, it particularly resonates with tech-savvy individuals valuing convenience and efficiency in financial transactions. The product may attract early adopters and those seeking the latest fintech advancements, anticipating widespread uptake across various age groups and demographics.
The creation of Sampath PayBand involved collaboration among stakeholders, with Sampath Bank’s top management envisioning innovation, the Credit Card Business unit providing insights into customer needs, and partnerships with industry leaders such as Visa and CBA (IDEMIA) contributing expertise and resources.
Shiran Kossinna, Assistant General Manager of the Card Centre at Sampath Bank, emphasized the bank’s dedication to driving innovation and providing a seamless shopping experience with Sampath PayBand.
The benefits of Sampath PayBand include convenience, innovation, contactless transactions, and its trendy appeal to the tech-savvy Gen Z generation. The product will be officially launched in mid-June through select branch networks, with Sampath Bank anticipating that others in the industry will follow suit, contributing to the continuous evolution of payment solutions in the market.
Launched in partnership with Visa, Sampath PayBand underscores the bank’s commitment to providing cutting-edge banking solutions, offering convenience, security, and peace of mind to consumers. It will be available to existing and new account holders at select Sampath Bank branches from mid-June onwards, with personalized assistance and guidance provided upon acquisition.
Sampath Bank, a leading private sector commercial bank in Sri Lanka, is renowned for its innovative financial products and services, driven by a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.Avanthi Colombage, VISA Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, and Ajith Salgado, Chief Information Officer, also spoke at the launch, along with Managing Director Ms. Ayodhya Iddawela Perera.
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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