Business
Seylan Bank secures Silver Award at Dragons of Asia 2022
Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, won a coveted Silver Award at Dragons of Asia Effective Marketing Awards 2022. The Awards recognised the very best in results-driven marketing communications, by agencies and clients, across all countries in Asia.The success of Seylan Bank’s #ResponsibleMe campaign, conceptualised to highlight the importance of self-awareness and individual responsibility in ensuring the safety of all Sri Lankan citizens in the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in the financial institution bagging a Silver Award under the Best Cause, Charity Marketing or Public Sector Campaign, making Seylan Bank the only bank to be awarded under the category.
In 2021 at the height of the third Covid-19 wave, the Bank with a Heart felt that society needed to be educated about making responsible choices to contain the spread of the virus. This was certainly the need of the hour as it was observed that there was a rising feeling of demotivation to follow recommended protective behaviours, also known as pandemic fatigue.
The Bank realised that simply saying “wear a mask” or “maintain social distancing”, would have been just another message, therefore Seylan Bank decided to execute the delivery of the message more assertively. This led to the campaign slogan “Suhada Haden, Tikak Seren”.
To pull off the campaign, Seylan team members took on the responsibility to share the #ResponsibleMe message to the public, adding their own voices through their personal social media spaces. Key opinion leaders soon joined the call, and social media came abuzz with #ResponsibleMe.
The Bank then considered a mentality change which encouraged people to accept individual responsibility to maintain preventative methods that was considered key for protection in the long term. To this end, as a responsible corporate, the Bank launched a unique virtual media briefing to effectively drive this message, with the participation of media personnel active in the digital space. The campaign was taken a step further through interviews conducted in partnership with the Health Promotion Bureau to exaggerate the importance of acting responsibly.
“The #ResponsibleMe campaign was a timely initiative, where Seylan went beyond our usual business, with the understanding that we had to overcome the pandemic together as a society and the responsibility of it lay within each one of us. It was through ensuring protection to all that we could survive,” said Gamika de Silva, Assistant General Manager for Marketing and Sales, Seylan Bank.
“Executing a campaign of this scale was no easy task during the height of a pandemic. With several factors affecting productivity and teamwork, everyone involved was able to pull through and deliver their best. Without the support from our agency partners, Boutique Agency Network, Third Shift and Ogilvy PR, #ResponsibleMe would not have been possible. We are also grateful to the Health Promotion Bureau for the support they gave us throughout the campaign. All in all, the promise to take personal responsibility for one’s actions to ensure the prevention of spread has certainly paid off,” he added speaking of the Silver Dragon.
Such a win on an international stage stands as testament to the Bank’s efforts which led to it becoming a catalyst hero in the fight against the Covid-19 Pandemic, while also shining a global spotlight on the Nation as a whole.
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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