Business
Softlogic Life launches ‘Dollar Saver’: Sri Lanka’s first foreign currency insurance solution
Affirming its indelible reputation as Sri Lanka’s fastest growing life insurer, Softlogic Life goes beyond borders with the introduction of a powerful new USD savings life insurance solution, ‘Dollar Saver’ that will be offered to Sri Lankans working and living overseas.
Setting yet another benchmark in the country’s highly competitive insurance sector, the two-year savings plan enables Sri Lankans residing overseas to enjoy a 6.5% guaranteed annual return on their savings in dollars, while also benefiting from a life insurance cover equal to the maturity benefit. Softlogic Life’s Dollar Saver makes its mark in Sri Lanka as a first of its kind solution offered by a life insurance company within the nation. The product will be offered in full accordance with Sri Lanka’s Forex Regulations.
Dollar Saver was launched in a virtual setting signifying the tech-based approach that has been adopted to ensure anytime anywhere take up of this policy. Highlighting the significance of the launch, Chief Guest Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka stated, “To keep Sri Lanka’s growth momentum, it is vital to attract foreign investments and one such key method in which savings can be generated is in the form of insurance and innovative financial instruments. The penetration of the insurance market is important and significant towards driving the country’s economy. I congratulate Softlogic Life on designing this innovative product which will now create a way for Sri Lankans who are working and living overseas to be part of a savings community in Sri Lanka.
Softlogic Life’s Dollar Saver addresses both the protection and investment needs of Sri Lankans domiciled overseas with a foreign income. The product is open for dual citizens as well as Sri Lankan residents who earn income from an overseas source. Customers can start with a minimum of 5,000 USD and go up to a maximum of 100,000 USD with just a one-time premium payment.
“In today’s context, with the competition and what’s going around the world, it is best for companies to evolve. Especially with the pandemic, it is key to evolve with technological advancements. Softlogic Life has always been an early adopter of technology even before the pandemic which has helped the company grow by 43% in the first half of 2021 amidst everything. With a clear advantage over the competition, we were ready to move forward and extend our insurance services to over 2 Mn Sri Lankans living beyond borders while giving an opportunity to bring in more dollars to Sri Lanka,” remarked Ashok Pathirage, Chairman of Softlogic Holdings PLC.
Customers can sign up to the Dollar Saver Plan through Softlogic Life’s highly secure, 100% paperless, digital onboarding process. They are also offered the convenient options of making their premium payments through any credit or debit card that are subject to limits, or fund transfers.
“As Sri Lanka’s fastest growing insurance company with a revenue growth (GWP) of 43% in the first half of 2021 and a 5 year CAGR of 30% which is almost double the industry, we are proud to have launched Sri Lanka’s first ever foreign currency insurance product that combines the elements of protection and investment returns in a meaningful manner. While this product is fully in accordance with the Central Bank forex and other regulatory requirements, the proceeds will be invested in government securities and similar risk instruments avoiding currency exposure to maintain all the liquidity on behalf of our policyholders. We extend a very warm welcome to all Sri Lankans earning a foreign income to join us online with a Dollar Saver policy so that you can earn a guaranteed return on your dollar savings and we can protect everything that is precious to you,” commented Iftikar Ahamed, Managing Director of Softlogic Life Insurance PLC.
Innovation, agility and a strong passion to protect the best interests of Sri Lankans have always lead the agenda for success within Softlogic Life.
These traits have helped the company forge even through the pandemic-induced volatile business environment resiliently because every industry-first initiative Softlogic Life launched was able to truly elevate the lives of many Sri Lankans from various backgrounds. This includes the one-day claim payment process, the disruptive postal and mobile insurance solutions, and more to traverse beyond the norms of the life insurance industry to ensure world-class service standards that secure the safety and wellbeing of their customers.
Softlogic Life is currently ranked third in the life insurance market, known for overtaking much older players with their strong and sustainable growth momentum. Keeping alive its commitment towards enhancing life insurance penetration and quality of lives within the country, the company currently extends their protection to over 1.5 million Sri Lankan lives.
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.”