Business

Motor vehicle imports negatively impact General Insurance sector

Published

5 years ago

2021/09/4

Sahan Weerasooriya

Iftikar Ahamed

‘The import of motor vehicles had a detrimental effect on the General Insurance sector, which had a negative growth of 1.3 per cent towards Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 99.5 billion in 2020. The first half of 2021 too recorded a negative growth of 0.3 per cent, president, Insurance Association of Sri Lanka Iftikar Ahamed said.

The Insurance Association of Sri Lanka celebrated National Insurance Day on the 1st of September 2021. Insurance Month will be commemorated to spread awareness about the importance of insurance and its relevance at present. As all industries in the country undergo continuous challenges and changes during the global pandemic, the insurance industry too has been dynamic in its approach to customers in providing timely policy solutions ,an IASL press release said.

.It adds: Iftikar Ahamed, the President of IASL provided a look inside the insurance industry, detailing the changes in the industry landscape and IASL’s role during this time.

“The pandemic has had mixed effects on the insurance industry in the past year. The Life Insurance Industry Gross Written Premium (GWP) grew by 16% to cross the LKR 100 billion threshold in 2020, and the first six months of 2021 saw a growth of 30%, which is a remarkable number despite the effects of the previous year. The import of motor vehicles had a detrimental effect of the General Insurance sector, which had a negative growth of 1.3% towards GWP of LKR 99.5 billion in 2020. The first half of 2021 too recorded a negative growth of 0.3%.

“As the apex body of the industry, insurance awareness month is utilized to spread awareness of the relevance and importance of insurance to every Sri Lankan. We have seen many insurance providers explore new avenues that would be timely solutions for our customers as they push the traditional limits in solutions and selling by transitioning into the digital sphere, reducing overall turnaround times. These have to be taken to the public in quick and efficient ways, where aggressive marketing and sales becomes key. The Insurance Awareness month therefore, becomes more crucial this year.”

Speaking on how the pandemic has affected the industry and the steps taken to ease the burden of those affected as well as the government, Iftikar Ahamed continued “The insurance industry has stood by its policyholders by coming forward to meet their COVID claims despite the pandemic, which is usually an exclusion. Especially during the third and fourth waves honouring claims has been a moment of truth for many customers and a true testimony to the fact that we are there for Sri Lanka.

“In addition, rewarding and recognizing efforts, especially at times such as these, is important for the industry given that their role has been extremely challenging during this period. The National insurance awards took place on 1st September as a virtual event where the brightest and the best talent in the industry received awards for both 2019 and 2020, since we could not have this event last year.”

When asked his opinion on how insurance companies might successfully maintain customer interest, Iftikar Ahamed further added, “The attention and interest of the public on insurance and the protection that it affords is now quite evident. The industry needs to capture this moment and maintain engagement with meaningful benefits whilst ensuring that all policyholders are treated fairly and equitably.”

It is hoped that the message of insurance will be further disseminated following Insurance Month 2021, and that it will result in increased awareness and understanding among the people of Sri Lanka. A subject that can be embedded into the daily life of an individual from dawn to dusk, it is vital that the public can access their preferred insurance solution at the time, place, price and in the manner they want.

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Business

Financial literacy central to country’s development – CBSL Governor

Published

9 hours ago

2026/10/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe: ‘Financial literacy vital’.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Sri Lanka’s financial literacy rate is approximately 58 percent. Such literacy is absolutely necessary for the inclusion of people in the country’s financial system which in turn is central to overall economic development, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said.

‘One needs to have knowledge and skills of a financial nature to figure in financial inclusiveness. While 86 percent of Sri Lanka’s population has access to the country’s financial system, 82 percent of the public has at least a savings account in the country’s banking system, Dr Weerasinghe said.

The Governor made these comments recently at the inauguration of Financial Literacy Month 2026 at the Central Bank’s Centre for Banking Studies, Rajagiriya.

Dr. Weerasinghe added: ‘Suitable, affordable and quality financial instruments are needed to enhance financial literacy in the country.

‘Financial information has to be accurate, risk-free and accountable, thus creating confidentiality in the financial system, which would enable the sector to reach greater heights’.

Meanwhile CBSL sources said: ‘The Literacy Month opened with the two-day ‘FinLit Expo Colombo’. The expo gives the public the opportunity to engage with institutions, better understand financial services, gain practical insights into managing their finances and learn how to protect themselves from financial fraud and scams.

‘The CBSL is leading the program in collaboration with stakeholder institutions. It forms part of the Financial Literacy Roadmap for Sri Lanka, which is implemented under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), the national framework for widening access to and use of formal financial services.

‘The Colombo event will be followed by six regional ‘FinLit Expos’ aimed at direct engagement with local communities. Partner institutions will also run awareness activities. Together, the events are intended to provide financial education to communities and encourage people to apply financial knowledge in everyday life.

‘A public awareness campaign on television, radio, newspapers and social media will extend the program’s reach. The program also includes digital financial literacy activities and the promotion of QR codes and other online payment methods.

‘The public and stakeholder institutions are encouraged to take part in the month’s activities under the theme, “Towards a Financially Literate Sri Lanka”.

Business

HUTCH strikes five awards as the only telco honoured at SLIM DIGIS 2.6

Published

9 hours ago

2026/10/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

HUTCH Sri Lanka strengthened its position as a leader in digital engagement by securing five accolades at SLIM Digis 2.6, emerging as one of the most recognized brands at this year’s digital excellence awards. The achievement was further highlighted by HUTCH being the only telecom operator to be recognized at the event.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), SLIM Digis is Sri Lanka’s premier platform celebrating excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements in the digital marketing industry. The recognition highlights HUTCH’s growing strength in digital-first, agile, and creative marketing, and its ability to respond to everyday moments, engage audiences, and deliver impactful digital campaigns.

The Gold Award for Best Use of Agile and Moment Marketing, a Silver for Best Use of Digital in a Marketing Campaign, and a Bronze for Best Performance Marketing were all awarded for “Keeping Sri Lanka Connected Through Ditwah,” HUTCH’s response to the cyclone that struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, recognised for the speed and relevance with which HUTCH kept customers better connected and informed.

HUTCH Roaming also earned two further Bronze awards for Best Use of Digital in a Marketing Campaign and Best Use of Creative Content. Bringing together AI-led storytelling, the campaign was designed around distinct customer clusters, each characterized by unique travel behaviours, needs, and perceptions, delivering relevant content for different audiences within a single overarching campaign.

“These wins are a strong reflection of how HUTCH approaches marketing today, staying close to the moments that matter to our customers and responding with speed, relevance, and creativity. Being the only telco recognised at SLIM DIGIS 2.6, and across five categories, is proof that agility and thoughtful storytelling can go hand in hand. This recognition reflects the collective efforts with our strategic partners, whose collaboration, expertise, and shared commitment brought great campaigns to life,” said Hamdhy Hassen, Chief Marketing Officer, HUTCH Sri Lanka.

Business

Fairway Colombo named Official Accommodation Partner of Manhunt International 2026

Published

9 hours ago

2026/10/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

(L-R): Gamunu Cooray, Ms. Tharushi Kulathunga, Avinga Wanigasekara, Arjuna Senanayake, and Jagath De Almeda at the signing ceremony held at Fairway Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s Smart Luxury Business Hotel to Host Delegates and Contestants from Over 40 Countries as the Island Nation Hosts Its First-Ever Global Pageant of This Scale

Fairway Colombo, a subsidiary of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, has been appointed as the Official Accommodation Partner for Manhunt International 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious male pageants, scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.

The event marks a historic milestone for Sri Lanka, as the country prepares to host a global pageant of this scale for the very first time. More than 40 contestants representing countries from across the world will arrive in Colombo, bringing together diverse cultures, international media attention, and a global audience — further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and hospitality.

As the official accommodation partner, Fairway Colombo will welcome and host international delegates and contestants throughout their stay in Colombo, delivering the exceptional hospitality experience and personalized service that the hotel is recognized for.

A Landmark Partnership for Sri Lankan Tourism

“We are truly honored to be selected as the Official Accommodation Partner for Manhunt International 2026. This partnership is a proud moment not only for Fairway Colombo but also for Sri Lanka as a whole. Hosting an event of this global stature provides us with an opportunity to showcase our commitment to smart luxury, innovation, and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality to an international audience. We look forward to creating a memorable and seamless experience for all delegates and guests,” said Avinga Wanigasekara, General Manager of Fairway Colombo.

Strategically located in the heart of Colombo’s historic Fort district, Fairway Colombo is recognized as a Smart Luxury Business Hotel, combining modern comfort, advanced technology, and exceptional service. As part of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, the property represents the group’s vision of delivering innovative, world-class experiences across the hospitality and leisure sectors.