The Business World International Organization INC-USA successfully hosted the Business World International Awards 2026 on 16 May at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, bringing together leading business personalities, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and distinguished guests from Sri Lanka and abroad. The event is regarded as one of the most prestigious business award festivals in the Asia-Pacific region, celebrating excellence, leadership, innovation, and outstanding achievements across diverse industries while recognising contributions to economic and business development.
The ceremony attracted a strong gathering of corporate leaders, professionals, and celebrities, reflecting the growing international stature of the awards programme. The Chief Guest was Badli Hisham Adam, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka and Ambassador of Malaysia to the Maldives.
Guests of Honour included Dietmar Doering, Founder and Chairman of AGSEP and Advisory Board Member of BWIO-USA; Kishu Gomes, Chairman of Exterminators PLC; and Rohan Pallewatta, Executive Chairman of Lanka Harness Co. (Pvt) Ltd.
Special invitees included Ria Sharma of the British High Commission, Vijaykumar Raut, retired Major General R. A. J. N. Ranasingha, M. Senthilnathan, Martina Guizar, and Juergen Pfeiffer. The distinguished guests were welcomed by Anthony Dexter Fernando, Tharindu Wijenayake, and Emerita Wijenayake.
The awards ceremony further underscored BWIO-USA’s commitment to recognising excellence, strengthening international business relationships, and promoting leadership and innovation across the global business community.
Asia Asset Finance PLC Introduces Free PickMe Rides for Fixed Deposit Customers Across Sri Lanka
Asia Asset Finance PLC has announced a customer-centric initiative offering free PickMe rides for Fixed Deposit customers, covering travel from their homes to the nearest Asia Asset Finance branch and back home again. The service will be available across Sri Lanka, allowing customers to select their preferred vehicle type via the PickMe platform, subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
The initiative comes in response to rising fuel prices, increasing transport costs, traffic congestion, and limited parking facilities in many towns—factors that often make branch visits inconvenient for customers. In partnership with PickMe, one of Sri Lanka’s leading digital mobility platforms, the company aims to provide a more seamless and accessible banking experience.
Asia Asset Finance PLC noted that customer convenience has become a critical factor in financial services, alongside traditional considerations such as interest rates. Modern customers increasingly value accessibility, safety, time efficiency, and overall service experience when choosing financial partners.
For many individuals, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, visiting a branch involves additional costs and logistical challenges, including transport arrangements, fuel expenses, traffic delays, and time away from work or family commitments. The company also highlighted how recent national fuel shortages demonstrated the importance of reliable and accessible mobility solutions for essential services.
Through this initiative, customers can book a PickMe ride, travel to the nearest Asia Asset Finance branch to complete Fixed Deposit documentation, and return home conveniently. The option to choose different vehicle categories adds flexibility and enhances personal comfort, contributing to a more customer-friendly experience.
The company stated that the initiative reflects a broader commitment to financial inclusion and customer-centric innovation, focusing not only on product offerings but also on removing practical barriers that may hinder access to financial services.
BWIO International Awards 2026 Celebrated in Grand Style at Mount Lavinia Hotel
