Business
Union Assurance Launches Groundbreaking Women Empowerment Initiative “GROW”
Union Assurance, marked International Women’s Day with the launch of its groundbreaking women empowerment initiative, “GROW.” The event drew participation from female team members across the organisation, as well as key figures from the Corporate Management Team, the Executive Committee, and esteemed guests.
Central to the event was the introduction of the GROW concept, a dynamic initiative crafted to cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment for female team members within Union Assurance. GROW, an acronym for Growth and Development, Recognition, Opportunities, and Well-being, aims to empower female team members both professionally and personally. With a steadfast commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles, Union Assurance proudly maintains 51% female representation within its workforce, setting industry benchmarks. The Company aspires to raise these standards further through GROW, with initiatives focused on increasing female presence in management positions, corporate leadership, and non-traditional roles.
The event’s highlight was a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring industry luminaries such as Mifaz Ahamed (Chief People Officer, Bharti Airtel Sri Lanka), Kavi Rajapaksha (Chief Marketing Officer, Sunshine Consumer Lanka Ltd), Kumudu Munasinghe (Assistant Vice President, Head of Corporate Communications, Group Lead – Diversity & Inclusion, Head of Operations – Social Entrepreneurship, John Keells Holdings), and Wathsala Aluthgedara (Chief Partnership Distribution Officer, Union Assurance PLC), while the session was moderated by Mahen Gunarathne (Chief Marketing Officer, Union Assurance PLC), The discussion delved into crucial topics including women in leadership, work-life balance, women’s empowerment, personal branding, and men’s allyship.
Reflecting on the launch of GROW, Imtiyaz Aniff, the Chief People Officer of Union Assurance, remarked, “We take immense pride in unveiling the GROW initiative, a testament to our unwavering dedication to empowering women and nurturing a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. GROW adopts a comprehensive approach to address the myriad challenges and opportunities encountered by female team members, prioritizing various aspects of growth and development, recognition, opportunity creation, and the well-being of female team members at Union Assurance. Through GROW, we are committed to equipping women with the resources and support they need to excel in both their personal and professional endeavours.”
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.”
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