Business
HNB drives digital payments in Gampaha with CBSL’s LANKAQR
Continuing efforts to transform Sri Lanka into a vibrant cashless economy, HNB PLC conducted a QR activation programme to onboard merchants in Gampaha to its digital platform SOLO in support of the ‘Rata Purama LANKAQR’ campaign launched by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
HNB, together with other financial institutions and telecommunication partners, participated in the day-long event held at the Gampaha Municipal Grounds to raise awareness and interact with merchants, including small businesses, regarding the advantages and strengths LANKAQR-integrated payments. The bank on boarded a number of merchants during the event to its digital wallet HNB SOLO.
State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Development, and Minister of Youth Namal Rajapaksa attended the event as the Chief Guest, with Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga, CBSL Assistant Governor Dharmasiri Kumaratunga and senior officials from leading commercial banks.
“During the early stages of the pandemic, we witnessed many of our customers, merchants, and the general public seamlessly adopt our cashless and contactless payment app SOLO as one of the most viable payment solutions available in the market. This interest has grown substantially with the launch of the ‘Rata Purama LANKAQR’ initiative and users fully-understanding the long term benefits of the technology.
“With a growing user base of customers and merchants adopting QR-based payments as their preferred method of transacting, it is crucial we capitalize on this interest and extend this programme across the country as it has the potential to drastically enhance economic activity at the grassroots,” HNB Head of Digital Business, Chammika Weerasinghe said.
Launched in late 2020, the ‘Rata Purama LANKAQR’ campaign seeks to increase the usage of Sri Lanka’s national common Quick Response (QR) code standard developed by the CBSL. The initiative eliminates the need for merchants to have multiple QR codes for different platforms, facilitating fast, secure and affordable digital payments.
MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka (MLG) announced the appointment of Sarah Nasry as Director & Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.
In her new role, Sarah will lead both the Finance and Human Resources functions at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and people agenda. She holds a distinguished track record across multiple business disciplines, including Supply Chain, ICT, Administration, Corporate Communications, and CSR. Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her most recent position as General Manager – Finance & Business Partnering at Brandix, Sri Lanka’s leading apparel manufacturer.
Recognised for her strengths in business partnering, financial planning, and strategic decision-making, Sarah is also widely respected for nurturing inclusive, people-centric cultures that foster growth and high performance.
Thayalan Bartlett, Executive Chairman of MLG, commented, “Sarah’s appointment follows an extensive search for the right person to lead our finance division through the next phase of our journey. Her wide-ranging experience and strong leadership credentials give me every confidence that she will continue to strengthen the financial integrity and compliance standards we are known for, and the Board looks forward to working closely alongside her in this journey.”
Sarah also marks a significant milestone for the company, becoming the first female member of MLG’s Board of Directors. She will additionally serve on the MLG Executive Committee (ExCo), reinforcing the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at the leadership level.
Commenting on her appointment, Sarah said, “I am honoured and excited to join MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka and help steer the company into its next chapter. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at MLG to drive financial strength, champion a people-first culture, and build on the company’s strong legacy of creativity and performance.”
Business
Sun Siyam Pasikudah Named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Best of the Best Winner for 2025
Sun Siyam Pasikudah, a boutique luxury resort on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, is thrilled to announce its recent win at the Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2025, placing it among the top 10 percent of resorts worldwide. This accolade reflects the resort’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travelers’ favorites.
Reopened in November 2023 after an extensive transformation, Sun Siyam Pasikudah offers 34 spacious one- and two-bedroom garden and beach pavilions, each featuring bold monochromatic interiors accented with golden tones. The redesign, led by Studio Sixty7, emphasizes a blend of contemporary elegance and local craftsmanship. The resort collaborated with local artisans, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich talent and cultural heritage.
‘‘We are thrilled to being recognized on par with some of the world’s best resorts. Under just two years since our reopening, this achievement couldn’t be possible with the tremendous effort and support of our world-class team and our guests that keep coming for the unique experiences we offer. We are proud to contribute to Sri Lanka, a destination that is on every traveler’s go-to list,’ said its General Manager, Arshed Refai who has been with Sun Siyam Resorts for over a decade.
OTTO Bathware has received Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI). This certification confirms that OTTO’s sanitaryware meets the highest national standards for safety, durability, and performance. With over 30 years of experience, OTTO Bathware operates under the ADI Group (Art Decoration International Pvt. Ltd.- www.ottobathware.com) and runs a modern 435,000square feet manufacturing facility in Bandaragama. The company has grown to become; South-Asia’s largest decorative ceramic manufacturer/ exporter, Sri Lanka’s second-largest sanitaryware producer, supplying to over 500 retailers island-wide.
“We’re proud to offer sanitaryware that meets national safety and quality standards. We encourage all Sri Lankans to look beyond the price tag and choose products that are certified, tested, and built to last.” said its Chairman, S. H. B. Karunarathne.
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