Sanasa Life Insurance: A Heaven for Women’s Empowerment and Professional Growth
Throughout history, the insurance sector have been characterized by female representation in the industry remaining notably sparse. However as industries evolve and societal norms shift, companies are beginning to prioritize the recruitment of talented women, recognizing that diversity is not just a box to tick but a catalyst for innovation, growth and prosperity.
Amidst this transformative mindset, there are shining examples of companies leading the charge towards gender diversity and inclusivity. One such trailblazer is Sanasa Life Insurance, where female representation stands at an impressive 65%.
Empowering Women is a Catalyst for Industry Advancement; Mr. Ivan Nicholas, CEO and Principal Officer at Sanasa Life Insurance stated ‘When women succeed in the insurance field, it’s not just a victory for them individually; it’s a boon for the entire industry. Women possess unique insights and are adept at understanding and addressing the diverse needs of clients, making them highly sought-after in the insurance world. We therefore are of the opinion that more women should seriously consider pursuing careers in the insurance field and capitalize on the opportunities to utilize their talents to drive positive change within the sector.’
“Mr. Ivan Nicholas, CEO and Principal Officer at Sanasa Life Insurance stated ‘When women succeed in the insurance field, it’s not just a victory for them individually; it’s a boon for the entire industry. Women possess unique insights and are adept at understanding and addressing the diverse needs of clients, making them highly soughtafter in the insurance world. We therefore are of the opinion that more women should seriously consider pursuing careers in the insurance field and capitalize on the opportunities to utilize their talents to drive positive change within the sector.’
“Mr. Joe Karunarathne, the CTO of Sanasa Life Insurance noted ‘at
Sanasa Life Insurance, we understand that insurance is fundamentally about taking calculated risks on people. That’s why we’ve entrusted our women leaders with analyzing client risks and spearheading our finance sector. By empowering them with important tasks, we’ve recognized their initiative and expertise, making our company a great place for women to work.”
With this recognition that diversity is not only a moral imperative but also makes strategic business sense, Sanasa Life Insurance has cultivated an environment where women are empowered and appreciated. This deliberate approach has enabled the company to tap into a rich pool of talent and diverse perspectives, all of which have contributed to driving innovation and achieving excellence in their services.
Numerous success stories have surfaced within the organization as a result of its steadfast commitment to diversity, with women reaching significant milestones through assuming leadership roles.
Embracing work life balance; with an impressive tenure of over nine years at Sanasa Life Insurance, Shashikala Amodini Gamage stands as a seasoned professional within the organization. Holding the position of Manager- Administration, she plays a central role in the smooth functioning of the company’s operations. In this capacity, Shashika assumes responsibility for a range of administrative functions spanning an extensive network of 100 branches spread across the nation. Her meticulous attention to detail and astute organizational skills have made her an invaluable asset to the company, ensuring that administrative processes are executed efficiently and effectively across all levels of the organization.
Shashika conveying her appreciation for the opportunities that she has had the privilege to experience, reflected on her journey of nine years within the company. She emphasized her progression through the ranks and noted that throughout her time at Sanasa Life Insurance, despite working under leaders with diverse styles and perspectives, all of whom were men, that she was consistently treated with respect, where her opinions were valued within her area of expertise, that in turn contributed to opportunities to excel in her career. She added that the company has also played a pivotal role in supporting her efforts to balance her career with her responsibilities at home. Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, she said that Sanasa Life Insurance has fostered a culture of understanding and empathy and has implemented flexible work arrangements and family-friendly policies that empower employees such as herself, to manage their professional and personal commitments effectively.
Navigating Success in a Male-dominated Sector; Chandra De Silva, Senior Manager of Underwriting at Sanasa Life Insurance, with a tenure spanning 24 years, highlighted the crucial role of the company’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in shaping her professional journey.
In a largely male dominated industry such as insurance underwriting, she made a poignant point about her experience, highlighting that her advancement within the company has been solely driven by the company’s acknowledgement of her capabilities, with no influence of gender biases. She highlighted that Sanasa Life Insurance’s inclusive culture that facilitates an environment where individuals are empowered to excel solely based on their merits, regardless of gender or background, has consistently invested in its employees’ growth and advancement. From training and mentorship programs to leadership development opportunities, Chandra affirms that Sanasa Life Insurance ensures individuals from diverse backgrounds like herself, have equal chances to succeed. This not only underscores the progressive ethos of Sanasa life Insurance but also speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to fostering a merit-based culture where talent and dedication are the sole determinants of success, irrespective of gender. Chandra expressed pride in being part of such an organization and looks forward to continuing to contribute to the company’s success while advancing its mission of fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Unlocking Potential: Lakmali Chathurangika’s journey at Sanasa Life Insurance is another example that exemplifies how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can serve as a catalyst for identifying talents and driving organizational success. Starting her career as a Marketing Assistant, Lakmali’s exceptional aptitude and passion for numbers were quickly recognized by the company. This recognition led to her transfer to the finance department, where she seized the opportunity to excel in her new role. Over the span of 12 years, Lakmali not only thrived in her position but also steadily progressed through the ranks, eventually assuming the role of Manager Finance.
Her journey underscores the importance of providing opportunities for employees to leverage their talents and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s objectives. Lakmali’s journey also serves as a compelling example of how a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion can unlock the full potential of employees and drive organizational success.
With a service period spanning 17 years, Badra Manori’s trajectory at Sanasa Life Insurance started as a Sales Promotion Officer, where she rose through the ranks to become the Head of Claims, a position she now holds with pride. Reflecting on her experience, Badra emphasizes the support she received from Sanasa Life Insurance throughout her career. “The company recognized my potential and provided me with the necessary tools and opportunities to grow professionally,” she says.
“Being a working mother, I appreciate the flexibility and understanding that Sanasa offers, allowing me to balance my career and family responsibilities effectively.”
Hasini Rangika, Assistant Manager in the Life Department, juggles her professional responsibilities with finesse. “At Sanasa Life Insurance, gender is never a barrier to advancement. I’ve been given the opportunity to take on challenging roles and grow professionally, irrespective of my gender. The company’s inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, enabling women like me to excel in our careers, she said”.
With three years of service under her belt, Lakmini Madushani represents the new wave of talent at Sanasa life Insurance. Driven by a passion for learning and development, Lakmini has set her sights on furthering her education and career within the organization. “I’ve been fortunate to be
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Chandana Divigalpitiya, Specified Officer at Sanasa Life Insurance added "we firmly believe that empowering women is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic growth strategy for our company. By fostering an environment of equal opportunity, we have been able to tap into diverse perspectives and talents, driving innovation and success, for the company.“
part of a company that values continuous learning and personal growth. Sanasa Life Insurance has encouraged me to pursue my educational aspirations while providing hands-on experience in operations management. My future plans include advancing my studies and contributing more substantially to the company’s success,”lakmini remarked.
Sanasa Life Insurance’s DEI policies have been instrumental in creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and all employees are valued for their unique perspectives and contributions,” says Nilupul, Chief Manager of HR, who has experienced first-hand how these policies have fostered a culture of inclusivity, enabling employees to thrive professionally and personally. Over the years, Nilupul says that she has witnessed a significant and sincere dedication of the company of encouraging transformation and embracing diversity and inclusion on a broader scale. As Sanasa Life Insurance continues to champion DEI initiatives, Nilupul remains optimistic about the future of the company and its employees. “By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are not only strengthening our organization but also creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all,” she explained.
Mr. Joe Karunarathhne, the CTO of Sanasa Life Insurance noted ‘at Sanasa Life Insurance, we understand that insurance is fundamentally about taking calculated risks on people. That’s why we’ve entrusted our women leaders with analyzing client risks and spearheading our finance sector. By empowering them with important tasks, we’ve recognized their initiative and expertise, making our company a great place for women to work.”
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Chandana Divigalpitiya, Specified Officer at Sanasa Life Insurance added’ we firmly believe that empowering women is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic growth strategy for our company. By fostering an environment of equal opportunity, we have been able to tap into diverse perspectives and talents, driving innovation and success, for the company.”
Each of these success stories serve as compelling evidence of the tangible benefits that come with embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. The journeys of Sanasa Life Insurance’s female leadership underscore the company’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and illustrate the transformative power of inclusive policies and supportive environments. From breaking barriers in male-dominated sectors to thriving amidst a culture of understanding and empathy, these women stand as living testaments to the notion that diversity is not only a moral imperative but a true strategic advantage.