Business
Senior Citizens are eligible for Rs. 200 million in medical benefits with Sampath Sanhinda Saver accounts
Keeping its promise to protect the nation’s senior citizens, Sampath Bank recently pledged a record Rs. 200 million in medical benefits to Sampath Sanhinda Saver accountholders. This is the highest ever total the bank has committed to safeguarding the future of seniors since the inception of the program in 2009.
At a time when Sri Lanka finds itself dealing with alarming circumstances–spiraling inflation, political unrest, a fuel crisis, a sharp economic downturn, and scarcities of pharmaceuticals and other essential items–the help with medical expenses that this plan provides is a reassuring financial cushion for anxious seniors looking for ways to ride out the turbulent storm that has darkened the prospects of what should have been their untroubled golden years. It reflects the Bank’s uncompromising commitment to stand by its customers while helping the country and the business community get back on their feet.
Sampath Bank provides these benefits based on the annual average balance that each individual Sampath Sanhida Saver maintained in his or her account between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. The resulting sum of money will be credited to all the accountholder’s Sanhida Medical Benefit Cards, and can be used to make payments at selected hospitals, labs and pharmacies.
These partner organizations include the Asiri Group of Hospitals, CDEM Hospital, Derana Medical Laboratory, Hemas Hospitals, Lanka Hospitals, Medihelp Hospitals, Nawaloka Hospitals, Nawinna Medicare Hospitals, Northern Central Hospitals, Pannipitiya Private Hospital, Sethma Hospital, Sethma Pharmacy, Kings Hospitals, Melsta Labs, Melsta Pharmacy, Singhe Hospitals, Southern Lanka Hospitals, Winsetha Hospital, and select Rajya Osusala (State Pharmaceuticals Corporation) and Vision Care outlets.
Sampath Sanhida Saver accountholders can check the available balance in their medical benefit card by making a missed call to 01112303080, by dropping in at the nearest Sampath Bank branch, or by contacting the Bank’s customer care center at 0112303050.
“North, South, East or West, one thing all Sri Lankans share in common regardless of race or religion, is concern for the wellbeing of our elderly people,” said Tharaka Ranwala, Senior Deputy General Manager – Digitalization, Deposit Mobilization and Marketing, Sampath Bank PLC. “It’s a deeply ingrained part of our national culture. As an institution that prides itself on being closely attuned to the heartbeat of Sri Lanka, Sampath Bank is imbued with those same values. Raising the ceiling of the Sampath Sanhida Saver medical benefits package to Rs. 200 million will help thousands of our senior citizen account holders to afford the expenses that accompany the infirmities of advancing years.”
Discussing the unique senior-friendly advantages this account provides, Amila Thewarapperuma, Chief Manager – Deposit Mobilization/Head of Sales, Sampath Bank PLC, said, “Sampath Sanhinda Saver account offer seniors bigger returns on their savings, plus many other benefits to ease the cost of their healthcare requirements. Sampath Sanhinda Saver accounts pay a higher interest rate, and the Bank credits the interest dues twice a month, so it adds up. It’s part of our mission to deliver greater value to all Sri Lankans through innovative savings programs, and this is a textbook example of a hugely beneficial financial plan that anticipates and caters to the needs of a very specific demographic.”
Despite the contemporary obstacles faced by the banking sector in Sri Lanka, Sampath Bank has successfully maintained all its capital ratios well above regulatory requirements throughout Q1 2022. All the while, Sampath Bank has implemented all government-led moratorium schemes for eligible customer segments affected by the pandemic. The Bank’s digitalization strategy has also continued to prove its worth during these trying times by securing a more accessible and safer banking experience for customers.
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.”