January, 24, 2023
Fairfirst Insurance is well known for being an innovative and future-ready company that aims to deliver value-added services leveraging the latest technology to offer an empathy-led user experience to its customers. Another industry-first, Fairfirst has partnered with Koko, one of Sri Lanka’s leading ‘buy now pay later’ platforms, to ease the burden of making large lump-sum payments for their insurance premiums.
Since its initiation in 2020, by the reputed e-commerce marketplace Daraz, Koko which focused solely on providing services for Sri Lankan debit cardholders, gained the trust of over 1.5 million customers and 1000 merchants within considerably a short period of time. It is an application that allows customers to pay online or offline and the latest being insurance in 3 interest-free instalments within 60 days from the date of sale.
Acknowledging the indisputable benefits of Koko in bridging an accessibility gap in the Insurance market, Naheed Zainudeen, Koko’s Head of Commercial for Financial Services stated, “Koko has consistently worked towards the empowerment of its users wherever their needs may be. Unlike traditional credit & EMI plans, Koko does not hold the full purchase amount but instead allows payments to be split into 3 simple instalments repaid every 30 days. This provides our users with the cashflow flexibility and the hassle-free experience they need to access critical services like Fairfirst’s Insurance plans, thus aligning with Koko’s key goals of changing its customers’ lives, one transaction at a time."
Joining hands to introduce insurance via this platform has enabled Fairfirst, a general insurer focused on making insurance more affordable and accessible, to offer a variety of insurance solutions that suit one’s needs through a convenient instalment scheme.
Regarding their continuous progress in meaningful innovative services, Dilshan Rabbie, Fairfirst’s Digital Solutions Manager stated, “At Fairfirst we are passionate about continuous investment in meaningful, efficient and value-driven innovations. This is especially true in the current situation, where the focus on making society more resilient by helping our customers bridge their protection gap is key. This is why we provide meaningful innovation because our customers deserve the best at every touchpoint of their journey with us.”.
With a passion for making complex insurance solutions simple and accessible, Fairfirst is a leading insurance company that is part of the Canadian-based Fairfax Group. Serving individuals, businesses and institutions, the company offers its out-of-the-box solutions via its team of 1400 professionals, who work across a service centre network comprising 58 branches. Putting innovation, fun and excitement back into the insurance industry, Fairfirst is fast becoming an industry leader that people turn to and trust.
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January, 18, 2023
Establishing a remarkable culture of learning, Fairfirst Insurance continues to invest in building the knowledge and capabilities of its sales force so that it can better serve its customers and community. Newly qualified Fairfirst agents proved that they are among the best in the country by achieving extraordinary results at the 2022 Sri Lanka Insurance Institute (SLII) Exams.
Fairfirst agents consistently achieved a 100% pass rate against an industry average pass rate of 63% for the last five consecutive months in 2022. Facilitating the success of these agents is the Fairfirst Academy, an in-house developed customised training and development platform comprising internal and external subject matter experts. The constant preparatory sessions that continued online throughout the Covid-19 pandemic helped nurture the employees to face the exam confidently.
Sandeep Gopal, Chief Executive Officer of Fairfirst Insurance stated, “At Fairfirst we strive for excellence by continuously investing in our people and promoting a healthy learning culture. This is how we are able to provide our customers with world-class service standards. Our constant journey to acquire knowledge and share it with the community will always be a priority for us and through this, we will continue to be an insurer that people trust to cheer their progression.”
Commenting further on the accomplishments, Manjari Kumarage, Head of Human Resources for Fairfirst expressed her views, “Congratulations to all the well-deserved leading agents who have been doing amazing work for themselves and the company. We are immensely proud to see our agents do well and to see that the company’s plan to progressively uplift our employee knowledge and skills is delivering results.”
Fairfirst Insurance Limited is part of the global Fairfax Group. The Group is a leading property and casualty insurer, reinsurer and investment manager, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Fairfirst serves individuals, businesses and institutions across this beautiful island through a versatile workforce spread across the comprehensive branch network, affinity partners and brokers in Sri Lanka.
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Picture 01 – Sandeep Gopal – Chief Executive Officer, Fairfirst Insurance
Picture 02 - Manjari Kumarage - Head of Human Resources, Fairfirst Insurance
January, 10, 2023
Team Fairfirst ended 2022 on a high note by securing the championship title at the Mercantile Football League Championship – Division II. The tournament held at the Beddagana Football Complex - Kotte & City League Football Complex was attended by five renowned football teams in Sri Lanka’s corporate sector; NOLIMIT, Dialog Axiata, DFCC Bank, Union Bank and Fairfirst Insurance. As finalists, team Fairfirst met team NOLIMIT where the final scoreboard read 5 – 0.
Having won throughout the football tournament, Team Fairfirst has always kept a perfect balance of teamwork and commitment in a collaborative culture of working hard and having fun outside of work as well. This latest championship title in football is another one to a long list of other championships, including Basketball, Rugby, Cricket and Netball. Sports is a great motivator that crosses all boundaries and fosters teamwork as well as discipline.
Aadil Hassim, captain of Team Fairfirst stated, “This victory is truly special, and it is amazing to see the efforts of the Fairfirst football team come to fruition. I am very proud of our team. I am grateful to Fairfirst for the importance given in instilling a good work-life balance as this win wouldn’t have been possible if not for the support from our colleagues.”
Manager of Fairfirst’s Football team, Fiyaz Izzeth, expressed his views highlighting that Fairfirst’s consistent winning streak was evidence that it is a company that places high regard on promoting talents beneficial not just for the company, but the employees personally as well. “We are extremely proud of our team for representing Fairfirst and continuing in the FairfirstWay of having fun and winning”, he said.
Fairfirst Insurance is among the top general insurance companies in Sri Lanka. Today, Fairfirst serves individuals, businesses and institutions across this beautiful island through a versatile workforce of 1400 spread across their comprehensive branch network, affinity partners and leading brokers in the market. Fairfirst is part of the global Fairfax Group, a leading property and casualty insurer and reinsurance and investment management group headquartered in Toronto.
Picture: Fairfirst Football Team – Champions of the 2022 Mercantile Football League – Division II
December, 20, 2022
The Niranjan Nagendra Memorial Award was introduced by Fairfirst Insurance as an initiative that rewards and recognises significant talent in the broker community. Since 2018, this prestigious award has been presented as a token of honour dedicated to the bright talent in the broker community in memory of an industry veteran and close associate, Mr. Niranjan Nagendra.
The selection criteria of this award recognise the efforts of Sri Lanka’s talented and most promising broker professionals who work tirelessly to bridge the protection gap by catering to the insurance needs of corporates, SME’s and individuals so that the economy and the community can progress through life’s uncertainties. Likewise, the notable individuals who have gone beyond limits and boundaries to educate and provide services to their customers and swayed from the norms to introduce modern approaches have been recognised through this award.
This year’s awards ceremony was held at Ramada, Colombo where two individuals, considering their passion and optimism about their roles that helped the insurance community thrive, were recognised as the “Emerging Insurance Broker Professional of the Year 2022” and “Technical Expert of the Year 2022”.
Amidst the grandeur, the “Emerging Insurance Broker Professional of the Year 2022” award was awarded to Channa Prasanga, Manager - Corporate Customer at IIRM Lanka Insurance Brokers, whose contributions in customer services to branch operations, while building a portfolio that consists of reputed domestic and international clients, is remarkable. In addition, his approach to sustainability, new technology and work efficiency also made him the right candidate to receive this prestigious award.
In the following proceedings, Shashika Gunawardena from ADZ insurance brokers was presented with the “Technical Expert of the Year 2022” award. Having worked and acquired knowledge in both national and international insurance arenas, his career commenced as a Senior Executive in Motor Underwriting before his engagement as a Manager - Technical Reinsurance in the UAE. Currently, he continues to provide his services by working with new clients and accommodating policies that serve them best.
Sandeep Gopal, the Chief Executive Officer of Fairfirst Insurance while congratulating the winners stated, “Fairfirst rewarding employees for their exemplary work is part of the company’s culture and the brokers we work with are fundamental to delivering exceptional service to the clients. In addition, he stated “we take pride in our values and the culture we have built up. Niranjan was a dear colleague who contributed to making us the organisation we are today. So, this award is very close to our hearts as it honours his legacy by recognising emerging talent in the insurance industry. We strive for excellence and this award recognises individuals who share the same philosophy.”
Commenting on the recent occasion, Sanjay Siriwardena, Chief Sales Officer expressed, “we have been working very closely with the Broker community and will do so in the future as well. Brokers play a vital role in ensuring that the insurance protection gap (gap between assets that should be insured and ones that are currently insured) in the country is reduced and that the clients are adequately protected. I would like to congratulate the winners and wish them and the rest of the Broker community an optimistic start to a new year.”
Charith Mahendrarajah, the President of SLIBA further commented, “Brokers play an essential role in helping the community and the economy thrive. I wish the winners of the Niranjan Nagendra Awards 2022 all the best and the rest of the Broker professionals a successful new year to becoming the finest at what they do best.”
With over 30 years of local and international exposure in business development and marketing in both life and general insurance, Niranjan Nagendra was one of the foremost experts the insurance industry had seen. Attached to Fairfirst Insurance under the capacity of General Manager Sales and Marketing he was a qualified underwriter of property, engineering, miscellaneous and motor classes of business. He was also an associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute UK and a Chartered Insurer and Alumni of the International Center for Management Development, Switzerland.
Fairfirst Insurance Limited is part of the global Fairfax Group. The Group is a leading property and casualty insurer, reinsurer and investment manager, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Fairfirst is today among the top general insurance companies of Sri Lanka and was recognised as the only Sri Lankan company among the 2020 Top insurance global giants in Asia-Pacific. Fairfirst serves individuals, businesses and institutions across this beautiful island through a versatile workforce spread across the comprehensive branch network, affinity partners and brokers in Sri Lanka.
Picture Caption – Niranjan Nagendra Award 2022
November, 16, 2022
Team Fairfirst once again portrayed their prowess in extracurriculars by winning their latest championship in Netball at the 2022 Mercantile League Netball Tournament - Open Mix Division. As finalists, team Fairfirst met team Citizens Development Business Finance (CDB) at St. Joseph’s College Indoor Stadium in Colombo, where the final scoreboard read 21 - 5.
Over the years, team Fairfirst Insurance was able to secure several titles in annual netball tournaments, through which they sharpened the necessary skills to become the champions this year. Both the Women’s and Mixed Teams portrayed their noteworthy talents by giving their maximum effort. The Women’s Team won 4th place in Division ‘C’ while the Mixed Team emerged as champions among eight teams competing under two categories. In addition, Nimesh Fernando won the special award as the Male Player of the tournament along with the team was also recognised with an award for the Best Team Attire.
Commenting on the win, national-level basketball player and the Captain of Fairfirst’s Netball Team (Mixed), Shehan Udayanga stated, “Winning this championship was a really good feeling. There are two factors that I believe were the reasons for this win. One: the dedication and commitment of my team and coach, and two: the company’s continuous support to its employees in their passions and interests. We hope to maintain this momentum and take the name ‘Fairfirst’ even higher.”
The Chief Operating Officer and Netball Team Manager of Fairfirst, Dhilan Mitchell expressed his views on the victory: “Congratulations on an amazing job by the team! Having witnessed the journey that our team has had over the years to achieve this feat has been an immense pleasure. Fairfirst knows that having fun at work is vital for everybody to deliver their best performances. Therefore, we encourage our employees to shine in their preferred activities. We have learnt from experience that the happier the work environment is, the better the performance.”
Fairfirst Insurance serves individuals, businesses, and institutions across this beautiful island through a versatile workforce of 1400 spread across their comprehensive branch network, affinity partners and leading brokers in the market. Working as a close-knit team, pushing boundaries, and embracing a fun-at-work culture enables them to be the best at what they do, both on and off the field.
Picture: Fairfirst wins the Championship in Netball at the 2022 Mercantile League Netball Tournament Open Mix Division
October, 10, 2022
Team Fairfirst stole the show as they won their first-ever Rugby Championship at the 50th Mercantile Rugby 7’s. Amidst the loud cheers from fellow colleagues at Fairfirst, the team was able to defeat Team Ceylinco at a nail-biting final where the scoreboard read 5 – 0. This match was remarkable as both teams are significant stakeholders in the insurance industry.
Through their perseverance and consistent efforts, the Runners Up in 2017 was able to emerge as champions in 2022. 22 teams from 19 corporate entities participated in this year’s Mercantile Rugby 7’s as it marked its half-century milestone, a considerable achievement for the committee. Recommencing after a hold-up of two years due to Covid-19, this year’s tournament was gladly welcomed by the Rugby enthusiasts in Sri Lanka’s corporate sector.
Realizing the ultimate goal of any team that participates in a sports tournament requires massive dedication and commitment. This is something that Fairfirst Insurance has consistently kept in perfect balance as they empower their employees to work hard and play harder, which facilitated this immaculate win. Fairfirst, known for its inclusive and collaborative work environment is a name synonymous with empathy towards both its clients and employees.
Captain Sudesh Halangoda, excitedly mentioned, “It has been an amazing journey with the team so far. The team worked hard amidst all difficulties and the results were delivered accordingly. Personally, it has been a great pleasure for me to contribute to our first rugby championship and we’ll try our best to make sure that we continue as champions in the upcoming years as well.”
Dilan Mitchell, the Chief Operating Officer expressed his views saying, “Kudos to the team on a job well done! Watching the team going through various trials and driving themselves towards the shield has been heartwarming and it is absolute bliss to know that our staff gets to do what they love and express themselves by engaging in their favourite activities. Fairfirst will continue to assist our employees in reaching new heights, both professionally and personally.”
Fairfirst Insurance serves individuals, businesses and institutions across this beautiful island through a versatile workforce of 1400 spread across their comprehensive branch network, affinity partners and leading brokers in the market. Working as a close-knit team, pushing boundaries and embracing a fun-at-work culture enables them to be the best at what they do, both on and off the field.
Picture Caption: Fairfirst Rugby Team wins Rugby Championship at the 50th Mercantile Rugby 7’s.
August, 5, 2022
On 30th July, cricketing fans were able to witness a nail-biter as Fairfirst Insurance successfully chased a victory target of 230-runs with just two wickets and nine balls to spare. Fierce competition was put forth by the Maliban bowlers; however, towards the end of the day, Fairfirst’s nerves of steel pushed them across the winning total amidst loud cheers and non-stop papare music continued towards the late hours at MCA grounds. The phenomenal encounter between two leading corporates in Sri Lanka ended on a high with Fairfirst Insurance crowned as Champions at the National Development Bank (NDB)-sponsored Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) Premier League 2022.
The journey which led Fairfirst to the MCA Premiere League Championship is a great example of how friendship and engagement within an organisation can fuel its grit towards constantly pushing to be the best at what they do. For Fairfirst, this journey started in 2018 when they took part in the MCA “G” Division and emerged runners-up in the tournament. In 2019, they were the “F” Division champions and in 2022 became the “E” Division runners-up. As records show, although they played in most finals, their nerves got the best of them in their ability to clinch the championship title. However, this time around the team was able to write their very own success story by gaining insights through hindsight as they became Champions in the Premier League Tournament packed with world-class talent.
In speaking about this grand win, Sanjay Siriwardena, Chief Sales Officer and Team Manager, stated: “First of all, well played to the team for giving their all throughout the MCA series and finally achieving what they deserved. This win is a celebration of our togetherness as a company. And at a time when the external environment is surrounded by doom and gloom, this victory gives each one of us the belief that as a company, we can navigate turbulent waters together and come out as champions.”
Lakshan Perera, Fairfirst Cricket Team Captain, commented on this highlight, saying: “This win goes out to my team for making us the Champions at the finals. But there’s more to our journey; it doesn’t just stop here. We are at a stage of pushing through to the next tiers of the tournaments, and we believe we are more than ready to take it on in the spirit of success, togetherness, and fun.”
Appreciating the dedicated efforts of the cricket champions, Sandeep Gopal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fairfirst Insurance, stated: “The way things are done at Fairfirst is defined by our brand values of Empathy, Authenticity, Transparency, and Social Responsibility. As a result, the talent and attitude of individuals are always prioritised over the traditional hierarchy which usually creates divisions amongst larger teams.
“Our cricket team is the perfect example of this value-driven ethos as they represent how individuals from a varied set of departments, geographies, and demographics within the organisation can come together and achieve incredible results. I am extremely happy and proud of each team player for making their love for cricket a valuable strength of teamwork, success, and a way of life. Well played to the team.”
Fairfirst Insurance serves individuals, businesses, and institutions across this beautiful island through a versatile workforce of 1,400 spread across their comprehensive branch network, affinity partners, and leading brokers in the market. Working as a close-knit team, pushing boundaries and embracing a fun-at-work culture enables them to be the best at what they do, both on and off the field.
Image Caption: Fairfirst Insurance Cricket Team Champions of the MCA Premier League Tournament 2022 finals
July, 4, 2022
Focusing on safety and uplifting the wellbeing of future generations has always been a lead community engagement initiative of Fairfirst. As an organisation that strongly believes in the value of social responsibility, Fairfirst continued with its Road Safety Awareness initiative with the recently held programme for five schools, which took place at Mahanama College in Colombo 03.
Engaging with the community in a sensible manner, especially in terms of instilling community-level safety, is carried out via a prolific programme on Road Safety Awareness which was born and kicked off back in 2012 and continues to date. Their relentless efforts have diligently supported this cause with the hope that future generations would reap the benefits of safer roads and eventually a safer nation.
Together with the Sri Lanka Traffic Police, hands-on training sessions were carried out at Mahanama College where five schools – namely, St. Mary’s Balika Vidyalaya, St. Anthony’s Balika Vidyalaya, D.S. Senanayaka College, St. Michael’s College, and Mahanama College – engaged in live demonstrations where over 500 kids were educated on ways to regulate traffic near schools. The programme also included sessions that explained the possible dangers faced by both pedestrians and drivers due to negligence of traffic rules and etiquette. These Road Safety Awareness programmes are an ongoing series of educational drives that will be seen conducted throughout the year to help curb negligent road behaviour and build a safer nation.
Concurrently, a tailor-made training programme for traffic wardens of schools was also conducted to encourage and groom those interested to take on the role. To appraise the efforts and as a monitoring mechanism, 60 participating students were issued a certificate by Sri Lanka Traffic Police, where they were endorsed as Certified Traffic Wardens.
Supun Kotuwegoda, Senior Manager – Marketing and Digital Solutions, stated: “The future lies in the hands of the little ones and what we aim to accomplish through these programmes is to constantly safeguard our country’s future generations in a sensible manner. And to make this a possibility, we are proud to be working closely with the Sri Lanka Traffic Police from the very inception of this much-needed cause.”
“When a business does good, it can be a positive ripple for the community. Our hope is that when these children themselves become the vehicle owners/drivers of tomorrow, they will change this risky driving culture to one that’s a lot safer. It may be a long shot, but together with these bright young children, we are able to take a step closer to making roads safe,” stated Sasith Bambaradeniya, Chief Marketing Officer.
What was first carried out in Colombo is now facilitated in 22 of 25 districts all over Sri Lanka, where Fairfirst has reached over 170,000 school kids in more than 2,400 schools whilst empowering and grooming more than 37,000 traffic wardens.
Fairfirst is a leading insurance company that is part of the Canadian-based Fairfax Group. Apart from serving individuals, businesses, and institutions across this beautiful island, the company has a keen focus and commitment to the community. Fairfirst believes that business is a force to do good. With good business comes good profits, and with good profits the chance to give back to the community is twice-fold.
Image Caption : Representatives of the Road Safety Awareness programmes in partnership with Sri Lanka Traffic Police
June, 29, 2022
Keeping up with the evolving trends in the external environment, Fairfirst recently introduced “Pedal Cycle Insurance” as another industry-first insurance policy. Passionate about empathy-led innovation that always caters to evolving customer needs, the Company ensures that individuals are offered peace of mind when making sensible changes for the better.
Thus, with much consideration given to embracing a new mode of transportation, which is seen as essential in today’s lifestyle and change in the economic landscape, Pedal Cycle Insurance is a comprehensive product cover that customers can consider.
Being protected against the unexpected, the Fairfirst Pedal Cycle Insurance policy comes with a range of benefits for choosing the smart way to commute, including:
In a quest to further simplify insurance, customers are guided through a simple end-to-end contactless on-boarding mechanism where they can easily reach out and talk to Fairfirst via WhatsApp on 0770 428428 and purchase the policy. In the event of a claim, customers can use the Company’s award-winning “Click2Claim” facility to have claims settled virtually and on time.
In introducing this product, Fairfirst Chief Sales Officer Mr. Sanjay Siriwardena commented: “At Fairfirst, we play a pivotal role in offering a wide range of distribution capabilities, which has enabled us to cover different segments through relevant channels. The success and strength of our distribution capabilities are backed by relevant and updated empathy-led solutions that cater to individuals, businesses, and communities alike. One fine example of this is our newly introduced Pedal Cycle Insurance which is seen as an essential solution to today’s changing lifestyles in favour of sustainable living. And whilst individuals evolve, we ensure that they are protected and guided through a simple on-boarding and claim process when making changes for the better.”
With a passion for making complex insurance solutions simple and accessible, Fairfirst is a leading insurance company that is part of the Canadian-based Fairfax Group. Serving individuals, businesses, and institutions, the Company offers its out-of-the-box solutions via its team of 1,400 professionals who work across a service centre network comprising 56 branches. Putting global concepts, innovation, fun, and excitement back into the insurance industry, Fairfirst is fast becoming an industry leader that people turn to and trust.
Photo Caption: Fairfirst Chief Sales Officer Mr. Sanjay Siriwardena
June, 11, 2022
For Fairfirst, promoting a progressive culture goes hand in hand with building resilience. Resilience is a critical component of organisational culture and business continuity, especially for a business in the insurance category. It’s not just about surviving but also the key to agility, prosperity, and progression during times of uncertainty. In this context, as Fairfirst takes pride in embracing a resilient culture, the Company recently initiated the “Cycle to Work” initiative.
The “Cycle to Work” initiative is an initiative spread across Fairfirst offices island-wide, with the objective of creating a healthier and sustainable lifestyle. As a company that has always made the wellbeing of its employees a priority, finding new ways to progress and stay future-ready, both personally and professionally, is a continuous focal point in their rhythm of employee engagement.
Heading this initiative, Manjari Kumarage – Head of Human Resources, stated: “Our focus has always been the wellbeing of our employees, both physically and mentally. They’re the driving force behind how Fairfirst is the best at what it does. Therefore, it is our responsibility to make sure that they are cared for in every way possible. The ‘Cycle to Work’ initiative is one of those initiatives to motivate, inspire, and encourage our employees to promote a sustainable and healthier lifestyle for themselves and for the community they live in. So as our colleagues across the country cycle to their respective offices, our message is that others too will join in this do-good cause and help create a resilient nation that will be future-ready for any change.”
Fairfirst is a leading insurance company that is part of the Canadian-based Fairfax Group. Apart from serving individuals, businesses, and institutions across this beautiful island, the company has a keen focus and commitment to the community. Fairfirst believes that business is a force to do good. With good business comes good profits, and with good profits, the chance to give back to the community is two-fold.
