Business
SLID/SLASSCOM webinar on ‘Leveraging Technology for Post-Covid Business Transformation’
The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) together with the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) organized a webinar, moderated by Dilshan Rodrigo-Chief Operating Officer of Hatton National Bank Plc., to discuss, explore and share insights on “Leveraging Technology to Transform Business in the Post-Covid Era”.
The keynote address was delivered by Uber’s Global Head of Support Operations and Co-Chair for Women of Uber – Lisa Stoner. The panel comprised of two eminent technology and business leaders Madu Ratnayake-Executive Vice President, Global CIO and General Manager of Virtusa Sri Lanka Operations/Independent Director of HNB and Director of ICTA, and Asanka Ratnayake-Group Director of Hayleys Advantis Limited.
“Covid brought unprecedented times to Uber and to everyone else. From connecting 16 million trips per day in March 2020, we went on to very publicly urging our riders to stay at home. During this time Uber fundamentally redefined its mission for the year and went from ‘setting the world in motion’ to ‘moving only what matters’. We closed all our offices and moved tens of thousands of workers home although Uber did not have a work from home environment. During this time, under the leadership of the CEO and of the Board one of the key principles we followed was that we would do the right thing and empowered business leaders in every market to make decisions around doing the right thing. Every positive matter we were able to do was absolutely enabled by our people and technical innovation” said Lisa Stoner adding that during the Covid period, Uber’s business changed from being a rides business to a delivery business and also saw a complete change in their top markets.
“We started a campaign to get local restaurants on the Uber platform which meant we had to onboard them as quickly as possible. To achieve this, we made some internal technology changes and most importantly we leveraged a lot of small startup technology tools available for menu creation etc. As a young company we had a lot of pockets and places to incorporate technical innovation including machine learning” she said.
She highlighted that technology automation, diversity and inclusion, relentless elevation of standards, and changing the definition of success as the things that helped Uber to come out of Covid stronger than before. On the automation front, Uber used machine learning and predictions to predict most likely issues helping customers to reach out to Uber more easily while fully automating the customer self-help process devoid of agent involvement resulting in a high level of efficiency and positive customer experience. She also said that customer experience will be a priority for Uber in 2021. Lisa noted that it is important to recognize the pace of change of business and to accordingly adopt technology which will also help to push the bar higher, challenging one to think about what diversity means to the team and whether one does actually have a diverse team which values ideas over hierarchy.
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
