Business
Sarvodaya laptop micro-loans for disadvantaged rural and suburban kids
Sarvodaya Development Finance, a licensed Finance Company approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, launched “Nena Diriya” Micro Leasing Loan with the aim of uplifting the education of children in suburban and rural parts of Sri Lanka by providing them access to purchase laptops at concessionary rates, a Sarvodaya press release said.
The launch ceremony, attended by Sarvodaya Development Finance Chairman Channa de Silva and CEO Nilantha Jayanetti, was held at the Kamburupitiya Branch recently.
“With the spreading of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown imposed islandwide in March, children’s education was significantly disrupted as they were unable to attend school or tuition classes. As a result, a number of schools shifted to conducting classes using online tools. While a minority of the student population living mostly in the urban areas had easy access to computers and laptops for their online education, a majority of the population from suburban and rural areas were left out due to financial difficulties in purchasing laptops,” the release said.
“As a responsible organisation that believes that all segments of society are cared for and given every opportunity to grow, Sarvodaya Development Finance stepped forward to provide these students the means to acquire their own laptop by launching the “Nena Diriya” Micro Leasing Loan. Nena Diriya offers low interest rates and attractive benefits for students of any age group to acquire a laptop for their studies.”
Channa de Silva – Chairman of Sarvodaya Development Finance commented, “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused great hardships in Sri Lanka and across the world. One of the most vital aspects for the future of the country is to ensure that children are able to continue their studies without falling behind. The inequalities of society mean that a large majority of the student population do not have access to modern technology such as laptops. Therefore, in order to give them a helping hand, we at Sarvodaya Development Finance stepped forward by launching the ‘Nena Diriya’ Micro Leasing Loan. We are confident that this latest product by the Company will enhance the educational opportunities for thousands of students across all parts of the island.”
Sarvodaya Development Finance is the development finance arm of the Sarvodaya Movement, one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most respected not-for-profit organisations. Sarvodaya is a leading people’s organisation in Sri Lanka with a history of 60 years’ operating in more than 5,000 villages currently in the country.
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
