Business
Surendra Rosha HSBC’s Group Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer for Asia-Pacific visits Sri Lanka
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Surendra Rosha, HSBC’s Group Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer for Asia Pacific arrived in the country on an official visit recently. During his visit Rosha met with Dr. P Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Mahinda Siriwardena – Secretary to the Treasury and discussed on how the leading international bank can further support the country.
He also met with key clients of the bank and discussed their challenges and on how the bank is equipped to support customers during these challenging times.
During his brief visit, Rosha declared open HSBC’s newly refurbished branch at Union Place that has been upgraded to a fully-fledged Premier Centre and is one of the first branches to adopt HSBC’s new brand architecture that will be rolled out globally. It is also the third Premier Centre in the bank’s local franchise that is equipped to serve the growing emerging affluent customers in Sri Lanka. Rosha was joined by Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, senior management and staff at the opening.
Surendra Rosha ligting the oil lamp at the opening with Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives
The branch which is centrally located at No 163, Union Place, Colombo 02 was opened in 2001 and currently serves a diverse portfolio of retail banking customers. With the new improvements, HSBC hopes to provide customers with an inclusive banking service, and attract potential new customers with its Premier banking proposition and worldwide banking services, within the expanding central business hub of Colombo. HSBC also operates a Premier Banking Centre in Pellawatte and its flagship Premier Centre at Flower Road, Colombo 07.
Rosha also held meetings with the Bank’s Executive Committee and engaged with staff across the bank as well as the Global Service Centre (GSC) in Colombo, to thank them for their resilience and to reassure them of the Group’s commitment to support staff wellbeing during these challenging times. In line with HSBC’s flexible work policies, he also participated in two virtual staff staff Townhalls to connect with the wider group of the bank and GSC employees, as HSBC employs over 4000 employees in the country.
Rosha’s visit to Sri Lanka came after a brief visit to HSBC Indonesia, and other key markets in Asia-Pacific such as Malaysia, Singapore, India and Australia, where he visited recently.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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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
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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
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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.”