Union Assurance has received four national-level awards at the 17th consecutive National Forum for Life Insurance Advisors (NAFLIA) 2026, organised by the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL).
NAFLIA is recognised as a key platform within Sri Lanka’s life insurance industry for acknowledging professionals who demonstrate strong sales performance, customer service, innovation and a commitment to advancing professional standards.
The four awards received by Union Assurance highlight the capabilities of its Partnership Distribution channel and the company’s focus on developing skilled professionals while expanding access to life insurance solutions through established banking partnerships.
At the national level, Charith Abeywardana, Senior Zonal Manager – NTB Channel, received the Gold Award in the Best Bancassurance Sales Supervisor/Team Leader category, recognising his contribution and leadership within the bancassurance business.
Kanishka Devasinghe, Associate Relationship Manager – NTB Channel, was awarded Silver in the Fast Starter category.
Union Assurance also secured two Bronze Awards. Tharmarajasingan Gokularamanan, Zonal Manager – NTB Channel, received Bronze in the Best Bancassurance Sales Supervisor/Team Leader category, while Dineshi Fernando, Relationship Manager – NTB Channel, was recognised with Bronze in the Best Bancassurance Sales Officer category.
The four national-level recognitions highlight the range of talent within Union Assurance’s Partnership Distribution team and its role in delivering customer-focused insurance solutions through trusted banking relationships.
Wathsala Aluthgedara, Chief Partnership Distribution Officer of Union Assurance, said the awards reflected the professional standards and customer-focused approach fostered within the team.
“These accolades are a reflection of the high standards of professionalism, customer-centricity, and advisory expertise that we continue to foster within our Partnership Distribution team. We are extremely proud to see our people recognised at a national level for the value they create for customers and our partners,” she said.
Financial Support Extended for Nagapattinam–Kankesanthurai Passenger Ferry Service
The Government of India has extended its financial assistance for the passenger ferry service connecting Nagapattinam in India with Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka for another year, continuing its support for the maritime link between the two countries.
The latest extension marks the third consecutive year of financial assistance since the ferry service resumed operations in August 2024. The continued support underscores India’s efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and promote closer people-to-people relations between India and Sri Lanka.
The assistance is being provided through India’s Viability Gap Funding mechanism, with annual support amounting to nearly LKR 300 million. The funding is intended to help maintain affordable fares and ensure the operational sustainability of the ferry service by meeting key logistical and operational expenses, under terms similar to those provided during the previous year.
Since its relaunch in August 2024, the ferry service has carried approximately 52,000 passengers. The service has contributed to increased cultural, economic and social interaction between the two countries, while marking an important step in restoring and expanding maritime connectivity across the Palk Strait.
The continuation of the financial assistance is also in line with the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka to improving maritime links. This vision was reaffirmed during the visit of the President of Sri Lanka to India in December 2024 and the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Sri Lanka in April 2025.
Further initiatives are also being explored to strengthen maritime connectivity. These include the rehabilitation of Kankesanthurai Harbour under an overall Indian grant assistance package of USD 65 million, as well as the potential introduction of additional routes and services.
These initiatives are expected to create further opportunities for economic cooperation, travel and people-to-people exchanges between India and Sri Lanka.
Union Assurance Wins National-Level Recognition at NAFLIA
