Business

Amana Takaful Insurance reinforces people-centricity through Leadership Excellence Programme in partnership with PIM

Published

4 years ago

2022/07/27

Embracing its commitment to continuously strengthen and invest in its employees, Amana Takaful Insurance recently embarked on a new project to fortify the skills and competencies of its senior managers. By partnering with the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), selected members from the senior management tiers of Amana Takaful Insurance will undergo a rigorous leadership excellence program, that is expected to further strengthen the Company’s strategic foundation while standing a testament to its devotion towards its workforce, amidst times of adversity.

The Leadership Excellence Program (LEP) was envisioned with the purpose of grooming the Company’s current and future leadership, enabling them to re-learn and bridge gaps by equipping them with adequate resources and technical know-how. The initial batch comprises 20 members of the Company’s senior management who will undergo a series of sessions, over a 6-months period. The learning experience includes exposure to various strategic aspects of management covering Decision Making & Problem Solving, Change Management, Finance, Sales & Marketing, Personal Excellence and more.

Commenting on the initiative, Head of Human Resources and Secretary to the Board of Directors, Farhan Jabir said, “Amana Takaful Insurance has always been a company which thrives on a collaborative and people-centric culture. Over the years, we have focused on executing multiple personal development and support initiatives, which have been widely appreciated among our employees. Thus, it was a no-brainer when we introduced the opportunity for our senior management to enroll for this Leadership Excellence Program, lectured by renowned industry experts from the esteemed Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka. While our senior management already have decades of experience up their sleeve, we believe this program will support a refreshed perspective for application, in order to stay up-to date and relevant with the modern world. Following the completion of the first batch, this valuable opportunity will eventually be extended across other levels in the organization too.”

Gehan Rajapakse, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Amana Life shared his thoughts at the launch event of this partnership between Amana Takaful Insurance and PIM: “As a truly caring, supportive and nurturing employer, we feel utmost importance in empowering our diverse workforce and grooming future leaders to take the Company forward. Sri Lanka is currently facing a challenging period, where most businesses and people are struggling to survive. As a responsible employer, we are sensitive to the daily plights our employees face and through this program, we hope to provide some solace and encourage them to pursue their personal development without worry”. He further stated, “A company’s success is parallel to the growth of its employees, and we at Amana Takaful Insurance fully understand that the organization is only as good as its powerhouse of employees. Thus, we take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to being an employer of choice for Sri Lanka’s aspiring youth and career professionals.”

Persevering through national crises since 2020, Amana Takaful Insurance has always stood by its people and focused on providing them the confidence to face any challenge with positivity and strength. With a ‘purpose beyond profit’ approach, Amana Takaful Insurance remains one of the few employers in Sri Lanka who have not conducted any type of retrenching, furlough or remuneration-adjustment initiatives as a result of the crisis. The Company has gone above and beyond to ensure job security, social and emotional support networks and equal opportunities for all, at all times.

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Business

Indo-Sri Lanka Chambers forge alliance to drive infrastructure and real estate investment

Published

15 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

The exchange of the MoU between the two organisations

By Sanath Nanayakkare

In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.

A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.

Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.

With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.

To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.

Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.

Business

Hettich celebrates a decade in Sri Lanka with partner meet in Colombo

Published

16 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality

Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.

The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.

The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.

Business

GS Evo Motors launches all-new JMEV EWIND

Published

16 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Priyantha Perera, Chief Executive Officer of GS Evo Motors (left), and Sunil Wettasinghe, Chairman of GS Evo Motors, introducing the latest JMEV Ewind Electric SUV to the local market

GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.

The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.

The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.