Business
118th AGM of Automobile Association
The 118th Annual General Meeting of the Automobile Association of Ceylon, which was established in 1904, was held on June 28th at the Association Auditorium. The AGM was well attended by the Association’s members.
While the members appreciated the manner in which the arrangements had been made for the meeting, they also commended the excellent performance of the President and the Executive Members for their achievements during the year 2022.
The Investments made were very satisfactorily. The Non – Current Assets were increased by Rs.28.2 Million. The Short- Term Financial Asset increase to Rs.101,210,242.00 from Rs.52,740,000.00, which was an increase of 92%. The Excess Income over Expenditure, before Taxation was Rs.86.7 Million compared to the previous year’s Rs.20,863,108.00. But the Taxation during this period incurred was Rs.21.3 Million, compared to the previous year which was only Rs.3,046,839.00. In addition, Association also paid a Social Security Contribution Levy from October 2022. This is a record financial achievement in the history of the Association.
The management of the Association was very satisfied that this gain was without any increase to the members’ annual subscription, which prevailed for a considerable period.
The following will continue to serve in the Committee for the ensuing year.
President – Dhammika Attygalle
Vice Presidents – Ananda Dangalla & Keerthi Gunawardane
Executive Committee – S.V. Ganesh, P.H. Liyanage J.P., P.B. Kulatunga, S. Manapperuma J.P., Dr. Vijaya Korea, Harsha Panduwawala, Dampiya Banagala, S. Ravi, Wickrama R. Punchihewa (Attorney at Law), Prasanna De Zoysa, Lasitha Gunaratne & M.R.M. Farook.
The President of the Association from the chair proposed the name of the President of Democratic Social Republic of Sri Lanka as Patron of the Association and Piyankara Jayaratne M.P. (Life Member) and Deshamanya Sasana Keerthi Sri Lanka Puthra Nandadasa Rajapaksha (Life Member) Emeritus Chairman DSI Group as Vice Patrons, which proposals were carried unanimously.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”