Business
SDB bank hosts Asia Pacific Chapter of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values
In rallying the environmentally and socially conscious banks and financial institutions in the region, SDB bank was the proud host of the Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Chapter of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, on the 16th and 17th of November 2021. The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), founded in 2009, is a network of banking leaders from around the world committed to advancing positive change in the banking sector. This year’s regional gathering conducted virtually due to the ongoing pandemic, provided the platform for member institutions to share insights on the post-Covid 19 strategies that they have adopted to support people and businesses to remain resilient and catalyse a sustainable recovery.
With over half a million people driven into poverty by the Covid 19 pandemic in Sri Lanka – according to the estimates of the World Bank – and with GoSL being constrained due to lack of fiscal space to invest in economic recovery, the dialogue served to highlight the importance of the financial sector in mobilizing sustainable finance in emerging economies like Sri Lanka and the need for international cooperation to reorient capital to where it is most needed. Yvette Fernando – Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Thilak Piyadigama – CEO of SDB bank made presentations at this regional meeting on Sri Lanka’s progress on sustainable finance and digital finance that served to further enhance Sri Lanka’s position amongst international financiers.
In reviewing the proceedings of the event, Thilak Piyadigama, CEO of SDB bank noted, “It is a great honour for us to have been chosen as the bank to host this event in Sri Lanka. We would have loved to have hosted all the members in person in our beautiful country, but that is not advisable at this time. Thus, we decided on a virtual meeting. We discussed and drew attention to various pressing issues in the region including digitalization challenges, financing of renewal energy projects, asset quality challenges faced by the banking system in the region due to the COVID crisis, and access to finance for the missing middle (SMEs).”
Explaining further, Piyadigama added, “The meeting was structured to enable enhanced engagement of the participants. This helped to further facilitate cross learning amongst members in the region. The meeting also updated participants on the GABV’s work and obtained feedback about how to best showcase the Asia Pacific region during the GABV Annual Meeting 2022. Overall, we are very pleased with the levels of engagement we saw, as participants discussed furthering sustainable progress in the sector. We also take this opportunity to thank the GABV for expressing their confidence in SDB bank, by choosing us to host this international conference here in Sri Lanka.”
SDB bank caters to a wide clientele including a significant retail banking portfolio. However, the Bank’s focus areas are SME development, women empowerment through financing women-led enterprise and digital inclusion, with a view to taking digital banking to the masses, through its extensive network.
The collective goal of the GABV is to change the banking system so that it is more transparent, supports economic, social and environmental sustainability, and is composed of a diverse range of banking institutions serving the real economy. The Alliance connects banks, banking cooperatives and credit unions, microfinance institutions and community development banks and supports their work towards positive systemic change within financial systems.
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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