Business
SLT-MOBITEL awarded ‘Best Innovation in Telecommunication’ Award
Reaffirming its leadership in Telecommunication and Technology, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile was awarded the prestigious international award for the ‘Best Innovation in Telecommunication’, at the World Innovation Congress held in Mumbai, India on 24th March 2022.
The recognition is a testament to SLT-MOBITEL’s deployment of the innovative Sub-1GHz band LTE network solution, designed to further expand rural broadband penetration in Sri Lanka. The Sub-1GHz band LTE technology also focused on improving telecommunication infrastructure and support services specially to assist customers in rural areas during Covid-19 lockdown periods.
Commenting on the recognition, Lalith Seneviratne, Group Chief Executive Officer, SLT-MOBITEL said, “it gives us immense pride and joy to witness our innovative work being recognized on an international level. World Innovation Congress is a world-renowned body for recognizing innovative businesses across the world, and we take pride as the National ICT Solutions Provider to receive this prestigious award. Whilst the recognition has brought glory to Sri Lanka, it has also enabled us to save Forex outflows and regain the national spectrum resources in the 900 Band; otherwise wasted due to cross border interference. This innovative solution could only be realised because of the support extended by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), in making Sri Lanka empowered with 4G LTE connectivity island wide. On behalf of SLT-MOBITEL, we are thankful to TRCSL for the continuous support extended throughout in making Sri Lanka a technologically advance nation.”
SLT-MOBITEL Mobile’s innovative Sub-1GHz 850MHz LTE network also provided unprecedented support during Covid-19 travel restrictions when broadband had become a necessity for everyone. Due to the timely deployment of the LTE network, the public were able to work from home, conduct online education, engage in telemedicine, and continue business and transactions.
Commenting on the achievement, Chandika Vitharena, CEO, Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd. said, “Winning the Best Innovation in Telecommunication at the World Innovation Congress reaffirms the company’s continuous innovation drive and technology leadership in the intensely competitive market of Sri Lanka. The award reflects our teams’ hard work and untiring dedication for innovative connectivity solutions. As the only local mobile service provider, we are happy to see that our initiatives are supporting the nation to move forward in the technology space and are being recognized both nationally and internationally.”
During this challenging period, with the innovative deployment of wider broadband coverage LTE network, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile provided free access for online educational platforms and National University based zoom platforms, offering affordable extra GB volume packages to support uninterrupted education during the time.
Furthermore, via eChannelling, a subsidiary company, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile offered remote doctor consultations (telemedicine services), medical and vaccination appointments, and ensured online medicine deliveries to support health services.
SLT-MOBITEL Mobile also provided high priority services to Work-From-Home applications such as Zoom, MS TEAMS, and Google Meet to offer customers the best broadband experience. SLT-MOBITEL Mobile was also recognized by Ookla®, the global leader in fixed and mobile broadband network testing applications, data and analysis as the ‘Fastest Mobile Network in Sri Lanka’ consecutively in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Additionally, driving digital inclusivity and boosting rural connectivity, SLT-MOBITEL continues to support national level initiatives such as the ‘Gamata Sanniwedanaya’ programme collaborating with the TRCSL which aims to provide 100% 4G LTE connectivity to the nation. With 5G deployment plans taking place, SLT-MOBITEL continues to invest in improving its 5G ready network infrastructure and has invested over USD 800Mn to bolster broadband services in Sri Lanka.
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.”