Business
Seylan Bank enables a smooth ride for Rhoda
Extends banking facility and network partnership to Sri Lanka’s first electric smart bicycle
Reiterating its mandate to be an ‘enabling partner’ in the growth of all its stakeholders, Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, initiated a partnership with Rhoda Life Private Limited, the designer and manufacturer of Sri Lanka’s first electric smart bicycle. The partnership will open many banking facilities and networking opportunities for Rhoda in its journey as a homegrown, innovative mobility solution.
Seylan Bank continues to proactively make the most of every opportunity that can offer growth to its stakeholders. Stepping beyond its traditional role as a financial service provider, the Bank focuses on acting as a platform that enables its customers through providing facilities and opportunities, with special focus on youth and women entrepreneurs. Seylan Bank considers entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development as priority areas due to the potential these sectors possess in their contribution to the national economy.
Commenting on the partnership, Gamika De Silva, Assistant General Manager – Marketing and Sales at Seylan Bank stated, “Empowering SMEs and encouraging entrepreneurship has been a key focus in our mandate. Seylan was the third largest contributor in the private bank category, supporting SMEs during COVID, and we have continued our projects with these sectors. Partnering with Rhoda is a milestone to us because it highlights Seylan’s promise to our customers, that you are not alone on your journey. As your bank, Seylan will stand by you – to help unlock your potential. We honour your challenger mindset and will create a supporting eco-system that best suits your venture”.
The partnership with Rhoda as official banking partner is not only to provide financial facilities, but also to open up many other opportunities through the Bank’s network and partners. Rhoda will receive banking services that will ensure a smooth flow of business, including access to Point of Sales (POS) machines, Internet Payment Gateways for online payments and collections accounts. The Bank will also offer 0% credit card installment plans and personal loan facilities to support better sales for Rhoda. In addition, the Bank’s network will be opened to Rhoda to explore new business opportunities including its online and offline media reach.
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.”