Business
SINGER gets its timing and context right for the launch of Honor smartphone brand in Sri Lanka
Singer CEO confident rebounding economic data will pave the way for better sales
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Singer PLC has picked the right moment in terms of trending economic indicators and consumer sentiment for the launch of the world-renowned, premium Honor smartphone brand in Sri Lanka.
“We are thrilled to partner with Honor and introduce the brand to our customers,” said Mahesh Wijewardene, CEO of Singer Sri Lanka PLC. “We know that the brand’s cutting-edge features and affordable prices will provide Sri Lankan consumers with a unique mobile experience. Honor has great potential in the Sri Lankan market and we are excited to help make it a success,” he said.
Mahesh Wijewardene, CEO,Singer Group of Companies
Speaking further, Singer CEO said,” The economic rebounding in progress and the positive market sentiment will definitely help for a pickup in the business landscape. So, the timing is perfect for Honor Premium Smartphone brand to enter the market and aggressively establish its presence with the backing of a strong partner like Singer that enjoys high corporate stature, stability, customer reliability and very strong marketing capabilities. Further, Honor will be formidably backed by Hayleys Group, the No. 1-rated conglomerate in Sri Lanka. In fact, three parties are going to win as a result of this tie-up. Firstly, it will be a win for the two companies, Honor and Singer. Secondly, it will be a win for the distributors, dealers and retailers. Thirdly and more importantly, it will be a win for the ultimate consumer. Therefore, this tie-up encapsulates a significant win-win-win outcome of mutual benefit for these three parties.”
Speaking to The Island Financial Review, he said “With the easing of the US dollar parity and liquidity, the coming down of the cost of essential commodities such as LP gas, fuel, vegetable prices etc., there will be some feel-good factor on the consumers. Consumers had been pressed to the bottom and now some relaxation of that condition is being felt on them. So, people may feel that they can buy something of absolute necessity although their income levels haven’t improved yet. I feel that the future will be much better than what we experienced in the past six months. Hopefully, such recent developments could drive more economic activity and build more consumer confidence going forward. Honor offers an unbeatable combination of quality and affordability that will resonate with the Sri Lankan market, especially in these challenging times,” he noted.
Emerging as the No. 1 Android smartphone in China, Honor is well-renowned in the global smartphone market and is one of the fastest-growing mobile brands in the world. The brand’s strengths lie in its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction and the smartphones are known for their exceptional camera quality, battery life, and overall performance. Moreover, Honor has more than 8,500 global patent applications and employs a workforce of over 13,000 people, over 60% of whom are dedicated to Research and Development.
“We are excited to make our mark in the Sri Lankan market with Singer Sri Lanka. At Honor, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative products at an affordable price point, and we believe that our partnership with Singer will enable us to bring this ethos to Sri Lankan customers,” said Lang Guo, Country Director of Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Honor.
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
