Business
Treasury operations at Pan Asia Bank drive its financial strength
Strengthened by its brand positioning as ‘The Truly Sri Lankan Bank’ and boosted by its prudent financial management, Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC (PABC) recorded its best-ever financial results in the year 2020 despite the adverse impact of COVID-19 on the economy and the banking industry at large. At the centre of this impressive performance is the Treasury function – truly the heart of the Bank’s operations, which has helped steer Pan Asia Bank to profitability.
Richie Dias, Deputy General Manager – Treasury at Pan Asia Bank explains, “The Treasury Department was one of the main contributors to the Bank’s overall profitability. Over the last three to four years, the treasury function has been responsible for sustaining reasonable interest rates to attract deposits, usually a challenge for a medium-sized bank like us. We looked at niche markets and non-traditional ways to meet budgeted profitability during 2020 and reduced cost of funds by raising foreign funding lines. Pan Asia Bank’s return on equity and net interest margins are one of the highest in the industry today.”
He believes the wealth of expertise in treasury operations reposed within Pan Asia Bank has successfully help fund the Bank’s balance sheet on current and forward basis. As a, smaller bank, one of the challenges faced was deposit mobilization since larger banks were in a position to offer more attractive rates. “In order to be competitive in lending and to increase profit margins, we sourced funds from overseas. As of now, Pan Asia Bank has close to USD 100 million worth of funding lines from reputed Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) for long and medium term tenure,” Dias explains.
Dias reveals that PABC gained the confidence of DFIs because of its green financing aspirations- since the Bank has always been keen to fund renewable and energy efficient projects, it had already embarked on its green journey which was recognized with the prestigious ‘Global Climate Partnership Award’ 2019 by The Global Climate Partnership Fund (GCPF), one of the world’s largest climate funds. Pan Asia Bank is the first Bank in Sri Lanka to be recognised by The Global Climate Partnership Awards.
With its green journey gaining further traction, Pan Asia Bank became the first Sri Lankan bank to partner with the Switzerland-based Symbiotics for its first green bond issuance for USD 7.75 Million in 2020. These initiatives led PABC to be awarded the ‘Best Green Bank’ accolade by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review Awards 2020 for demonstrating expertise and excellence within the global financial community.
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
