HSBC Sri Lanka celebrates star talent

Tuesday, 7 November 2023 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Winners with CEO Mark Surgenor

Over 500 staff together with the senior management team from HSBC came together to celebrate the talent and skills of its diverse workforce, at the grand finale of HSBC’s Got Talent –Season 3. The HSBC Talent Show, which returned after 10 years, was a culmination of weeks of hard work, practice, and coordination among various teams, that was held at The Stables, Park Street Mews, recently. The show itself featured a stunning array of performances. From mesmerising musical performances, heart-warming dance routines, and stand-up comedy, there was something for everyone. The event demonstrated the bank’s commitment to nurturing talent that extends beyond the realm of work, as an organisation that values and celebrates the multifaceted talents of its employees by supporting a work/life balance.

HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives CEO Mark Surgenor, who witnessed the incredible event for the first time, said, “The staff talent show exemplifies our commitment to recognising and celebrating the remarkable talent within the organisation. It was personally a treat to watch our talented colleagues perform as true professionals on stage in what was without a doubt one of the best reality type events I have witnessed. The talent show was a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion, commitment and collaboration that defines our culture, and truly embodies the spirit of an inclusive and a vibrant workplace for our colleagues.”

The judges comprised prominent figures from the industry namely, Umara Sinhawansa, Gehan Blok and Dino Corera, Kevin Nugara and Krishan Perera, who had the hard task of evaluating the performances. Prizes were awarded to the winners across four categories, but in the end, every participant walked away with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Team Ahindaas, through their entertaining act garnered the highest number of audience votes and walked away with the People’s Choice Award of the night. The solo singing category was won by Shannon Costa for the rendition of ‘Sign of the Times’ by Harry Styles which left the audience and judges in awe. Team Extremes, showcasing a stunning dance act were named winners in the Dance category, while Shehan Anthony Perera was named winner in the Band/Instrument Category for his classical rendition of the song Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh played on clarinet. The duo Milinda Samarakoon and Rovin Wimaladharma won the Open category for their comical rendition of the popular nursery rhyme ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ bringing a unique blend and versatility which left the audience in stitches.

Luke Ganegoda was named Runner Up in the singing category for his rendition of Counting Stars by One Republic, while Binu Subasinghe was named Runner up in the Dance category for her vibrant solo performance. Team Ahindaas was named Runner up in the Open Category for their clever acting skills, while Team Misfits which comprised staff from various teams across the bank became Runners Up in the Band/Instrument Category.