Business
vivo Rewind 2021 – Another Blockbuster Year For The Global Smartphone Brand
With a variety of product launches, improved customer service, a global footprint, successful events, and increased sales, vivo, has emerged as a global leading smartphone maker, and has had another successful year in Sri Lanka. According to Canalys, vivo ranked fourth in the global smartphone market.
Let’s look back at all of vivo’s accomplishments this year, as we look forward to a much bigger and successful 2022.
Expanded the Product Portfolio
This year vivo expanded its portfolio at an astounding level. It introduced two smartphones in the V series – the V21 5G with a 44MP OIS Night Selfie System and the V21e with a 44MP Eye Autofocus Technology. In addition to this, the brand also launched the Y1s, Y12s, Y51 and Y53s with stellar features at great price points, as part of the Y series portfolio.
Self-Designed Imaging chipset V1
V1, a fully customized integrated circuit chip dedicated to imaging and video applications with leading edge visual quality, was unveiled by vivo. The Imaging Chip V1 meets user needs by optimizing smartphone application scenarios such as viewfinder look and video recording, in accordance with vivo’s imaging system design.
Second Fastest Growing 5G Smartphone Brand
In Q1 2021, vivo became the second-fastest growing 5G smartphone brand in the world, with 19 million units shipped, up by 62 percent from the previous quarter. vivo continues to focus on innovations and breakthroughs in the 5G mobile experience.
CSR Activities under the initiative #vivocares
vivo also undertook two community benefit activities in Sri Lanka under the initiative #vivocares. The first one involved distributing a smartboard to Olcott Maha Vidyalaya in Galle to ensure that 1200 children get an equal digitalised learning opportunity during the ongoing pandemic. For the second activity, vivo provided special donations including bags and stationary items to 150 underprivileged children in Getaheththa Tamil Vidyalaya of Rathnapura district.
EURO Partnership – “To Beautiful Moments” Campaign
vivo became one of the presenting sponsors at EURO and debuted its “To Beautiful Moments” campaign – a platform that encourages and enables fans to be in the moment with friends and family.
Innovation in 5G Technology
vivo is navigating towards large-scale 5G adoption making 5G devices ever more accessible and affordable and has released over 20 models of 5G devices globally. vivo submitted over 5,000 5G proposals to the 3GPP, leading to 15 technical features and getting three technical projects approved. Vivo holds over 3,000 patents for 5G inventions and ranks top 8 in terms of the company’s impact within 3GPP.
Partnership with National Geography – VISION+ Mobile Photo Awards
vivo teamed with National Geography for the second time and launched the VISION+ Mobile Photo Awards. vivo has worked actively to inspire more people to embrace the joys of creation and to accelerate the development of mobile imaging.
Avurudu Festive Campaign
vivo launched a special campaign “Avurudhu Wasi” during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka. During this campaign, vivo offered its customers a chance to win special prices like vivo gift boxes and other exciting items on the purchase of exclusive vivo smartphones.
Daraz Consumer Promotions
vivo partnered with Daraz.lk, Sri Lanka’s no. 1 and largest online marketplace to shower their customers with rewards and special gifts and became one of its Diamond partners. Customers were able to win exciting prizes on the purchase of an exclusive vivo smartphone and the V and Y series.
vivo’s 4th Anniversary
vivo recently celebrated its 4th Anniversary in Sri Lanka and thanked all partners, employees, suppliers, distributors and consumers for their constant support and love. In this constant quest towards technology, vivo has made some spectacular achievements this year by becoming one of the top selling smartphone brands in the country, while expanding to 2000+ robust retail store network and 2 exclusive service centers that offer premium after care service.
The brand also made solid partnerships with some key industry players including Abans, Singhagiri, Dialog Axiata PLC and SLT-Mobitel with an aim to serve the Sri Lankan consumers to its full potential.
After another successful year, vivo is all set to push the limits and achieve greater heights in 2022. We’re excited to see what vivo has in store for us next year!
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.”