Business
SEC/CSE Varsity Battles 2023, inter-faculty quiz competitions held
The Varsity Battles 2023, inter-faculty quiz organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), was successfully completed at the University of Peradeniya (UOP) and the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (WUSL) on 21st & 22nd of June 2023, respectively.
The Faculty of Science Team 2 emerged as the winning team of the inter-faculty quiz at the University of Peradeniya, receiving a cash prize of Rs. 75,000, whilst the Faculty of Medicine Team 2 and the Faculty of Dental Science Team 1, received certificates for being 1st and 2nd runners- up, respectively.
At the inter-faculty quiz competition held at the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Faculty of Applied Sciences Team 1 emerged as the winning team, receiving a cash prize of Rs. 75,000, whilst Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management Team 2 and Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management Team 1 received certificates for being 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.
The Varsity Battles 2023 intend to create awareness and educate university students, on capital markets and to increase financial literacy among university students. The quiz initially launched in May 2023 with the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
The quiz commenced in May 2023, at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
The top three teams with the highest scores at the inter-faculty competition will compete at the inter-university competition. The winning team of the inter-university competition will receive a cash prize of Rs. 300,000, whilst 1st and 2nd runners-up teams will receive Rs. 200,000 and Rs. 100,000, respectively.
Commenting on the initiative, CSE Senior Vice President Marketing, Mr. Niroshan Wijesundere, said, “The Quiz Competition is another initiative taken by the Colombo Stock Exchange in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission to create awareness on the importance of financial, investor, and capital market education. Thus, this initiative highlights the importance of financial literacy for every undergraduate in Sri Lanka.”
Director External Relations and Capital Market Education, SEC, Mr. Tushara Jayaratne, commented “During recent years, we witnessed the emergence of a younger generation of investors to the stock market. However, concerns about their level of financial literacy remains. The SEC/CSE Varsity Battles initiative will offer undergraduates the opportunity to build confidence and knowledge to participate in the capital market, build wealth and derive better financial outcome later in life.”
A group of organizations have come together as sponsors to make this inter university competition a reality. The Varsity Battles 2023 is sponsored by the following organizations.
Platinum sponsors: First Capital Holdings PLC and Bartleet Religare Securities (PVT) Ltd.
Gold sponsors: CIMA Sri Lanka, Capital Trust Holdings Ltd, London Stock Exchange Group Sri Lanka, CT CLSA Securities (Pvt) Ltd, and Senfin Securities Limited
Silver sponsors: Lanka Securities (PVT) Ltd, LOLC Holdings PLC, Asha Securities Ltd, Softlogic Stockbrokers (PVT) Ltd, Almas Equities (PVT) Ltd, and Senfin Asset Management (PVT) Ltd
Co-sponsors: Vidullanka PLC, Millennium IT ESP (PVT) Ltd, CryptoGen (PVT) Ltd, Data Management Systems (PVT) Ltd, Sunshine Holdings PLC, Barista Coffee Lanka (PVT) Ltd, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC, Lanka IOC PLC, N-able (PVT) Ltd, and E Futures (PVT) Ltd, Hemas Holdings PLC and Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC.
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.”