With urgent agricultural reforms becoming increasingly imperative, the session on ‘Transforming Productivity in Agriculture’ at The Sri Lanka Economic Summit (SLES) organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will examine strategies to boost agricultural productivity, and the reforms necessary to support key targets.

Conducted under the theme Shaping Sri Lanka’s Future: Transformational Growth Rooted in Sound Economic Policies, the SLES will be held on January 28th and 29th at the Shangri La Hotel, Colombo.

The session will explore strategies to enhance productivity in traditional crops while exploring opportunities in emerging crop varieties. Drawing from global case studies, the discussion will focus on lessons from agricultural modernization and the integration of Agri-Tech. It will also examine the frameworks necessary to support this transformation, eyeing a target of increasing agri-based exports from 20% to 30% by 2030.

Policy and industry representatives will weigh in on the panel discussion, including Harish Chandra – Executive Director, Deloitte Touche, Tohmatsu India LLP,   D. P. Wickramasinghe – Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Aroshan Seresinhe – Group Chief Executive Officer, CIC Holdings PLC, Harsha Subasinghe – Founder, HS Agro Exports Pvt. Ltd., Manju Gunawardana – Group CEO – Research and Innovation, LOLC. Rajeev Pandithage – Executive Director, Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC will moderate the session.

The Sri Lanka Economic Summit will take place on the 28th and 29th of January at the Shangri La Hotel, Colombo. Registrations are now open at www.sles.chamber.lk. For further information, please contact Lilakshi at lilakshi@chamber.lk / 5588818 or Alikie at alikie@chamber.lk / 0115588805.

With an impressive array of national and international honors, People’s Bank has solidified its position as one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned and honored financial organizations in 2024. These esteemed honors bear witness to the bank’s steady expansion and its noteworthy contributions to consumer empowerment and the advancement of the national economy. Over the course of its 63-year history, People’s Bank has grown to serve over 15.2 million customers, accumulated consolidated assets of over Rs. 3 trillion and strengthened its online presence with 750 locations around Sri Lanka. This accomplishment demonstrates the bank’s dedication to offering small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and people a wide variety of banking services.

A significant turning point in People’s Bank’s digital transformation was reached when the bank was named Sri Lanka’s Best Digital Bank by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024, one of the many esteemed accolades. Furthermore, People’s Bank was named one of the top 20 employers in the AICPA and CIMA Top Employers Awards 2024, demonstrating the company’s dedication to creating a positive work environment for its staff.

People’s Bank CEO/GM Clive Fonseka commented, “We are honored by these awards, they demonstrate the commitment of our staff and the confidence of our clients. These recognitions are indicative of our dedication to providing cutting-edge banking solutions that meet the needs of our clients and the country’s economic development. We will continue to be guided by our dedication to service excellence and our digital transformation.”

Additionally, People’s Bank established its leadership in efficient public sector management by winning multiple awards at the Best Management Practices Company Awards 2024, including in the Government, Semi-Government and Authorities Category and the Banking of Public Sector Category. The bank received multiple Merit Awards for excellence in customer convenience and financial inclusion at the LankaPay Technology Awards, including a Gold Award for the Most Popular Digital Payment Product (State Banks Category-Internet and Mobile Banking and the Best Common ATM Enabler of the Year – Category A award.

Having won Best in Banking and Excellence in Performance Management at the 2024 National Business Excellence Awards, People’s Bank further solidified its leadership in the banking industry. In addition, the bank received Merit Awards for its CSR initiatives and placed second in both Excellence in Local Market Reach and Excellence in Environmental Sustainability.

The bank’s commitment to consolidate its position as the Leader in digital banking resulted in several awards as well. At the Best Web Awards 2024, People’s Bank was granted the Silver Winner for Best Banking & Finance Website. Additionally, the bank received other awards from the Global Business Review Magazine Awards 2024, including Best Digital Banking Solutions Provider, Best Digital Wallet App for People’s Pay, Banking Service Provider of the Year, and Best Consumer Digital Bank, in recognition of its innovative digital offerings. The bank’s Credit Card Services, People’s Wave Mobile Banking App, Financial Inclusion Program, were also honored for their outstanding contributions to Sri Lankan customers.

Furthermore, the bank was recognized as one of the Most Outstanding Workplaces for Women in Sri Lanka 2024, Most Responsive Bank Sri Lanka 2024 and Most Sustainable Bank Sri Lanka 2024, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity, responsiveness, and sustainability. The bank’s Most Innovative Women Empowerment Initiatives in Banking were recognized by the Women’s Tabloid Awards 2024 and the AICPA & CIMA Satyn Women Friendly Workplace Award 2023. Additional recognition was given to the organization’s initiatives to advance equality and diversity in the workplace.

Also, among notable recognitions, People’s Bank was awarded the Best Integrated Report – Banking Sector (State) First Runner-Up at the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2024. Furthermore, the bank secured the Bronze Award in the State Bank Sector at the TAGS Awards 2024, reflecting its exceptional transparency, governance, and reporting standards.

In addition to the individual accolades, People’s Bank received recognition for its digital marketing initiatives, taking home a Bronze Award for Best Use of Digital Creative Content at the Slim Digis 2.4 Awards 2024 and a Merit Award for its Purpose-Driven Digital Marketing Campaign.

Sri Lanka’s first-ever interactive desk calendar, introduced by VIMAN by John Keells Properties, offers a unique and engaging way to connect with the vibrant suburban lifestyle envisioned by the project. Packed with over LKR 1 million worth of gifts for the year, each month is thoughtfully curated to reflect elements of life at VIMAN, bringing its community-oriented ethos to life. With themes ranging from street cricket to sustainable living and fostering connections, the calendar weaves the story of VIMAN into a year-long experience for its audience. It serves as an innovative tool to immerse potential homeowners into the lifestyle they can expect, all while offering tangible rewards through exciting collaborations.

Nayana Mawilmada, President of the Property Sector of John Keells Group, reflects on this initiative, stating, “At John Keells Properties, our focus has always been on innovation, creating meaningful experiences, and ultimately, Creating New Worlds. VIMAN is more than just a residential development; it is a way of life that integrates community, sustainability, and modern living. The interactive desk calendar is a reflection of this approach, offering a creative way to bring the essence of VIMAN to life. It’s an invitation to engage with the values and vision that make VIMAN a truly unique offering in the suburban market.”

The project itself is a milestone for John Keells Properties as it ventures into the suburban market for the first time. With over 65% of its six-acre development dedicated to open spaces, VIMAN is designed to blend eco-conscious living with modern amenities, creating a harmonious environment that is perfect for young families. The calendar amplifies these key aspects through its monthly themes. The themes highlight VIMAN’s wide range of amenities for all, with exciting giveaways to encourage an active and outdoor lifestyle, while one theme also gives an opportunity to win stunning homeware.

Nadeem Shums, Head of Sales and Marketing at John Keells Properties and Vice President of John Keells Group, elaborates on the project’s innovative nature, stating, “The interactive calendar is more than just a creative concept – it’s a celebration of everything VIMAN stands for. Each page highlights the unique aspects of suburban living at VIMAN, from fostering community connections to promoting a greener lifestyle. By combining storytelling with meaningful rewards, we’ve created an experience that brings the VIMAN journey to life in a way that resonates with our audience.”