Business
53 international, 11 Local speakers share insights at CIPM world HR congress 2021
CIPM Sri Lanka – the Nation’s leader in human resource management announced a line-up of 53 international and 11 local speakers including Chairpersons, CEOs, and General Managers of top Sri Lankan blue-chip companies together with leading academics in Sri Lanka who will share their knowledge and insights at the World HR Congress 2021. The World HR Congress will be held in virtual mode from December 6 to 8 on the theme “Exalting People Professionals Amidst a Planetary Pandemic: Explore, Expand and Excel”. These 64 speakers will participate in 4 plenary sessions, 4 panel discussions, and 4 rounds of concurrent technical sessions covering a wide range of topics that will deliberate the risks, challenges, and opportunities in the new world of work following the global pandemic.
“We are delighted that some of the world’s renowned international speakers, and top corporate experts and academics from Sri Lanka have accepted our invitation to share their knowledge, expertise, and firsthand experiences. The strategies in managing and motivating their respective workforces to achieve and exceed business goals in the pandemic-hit world of work would no doubt add tremendous value to the HR and business leaders at the conclave in terms of shaping their own people and business strategies” said Dhammika Fernando-Chairman, World HR Congress 2021 and Immediate Past President-CIPM Sri Lanka, President- Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resource Management, Board Director-WFPMA.
Johnny C. Taylor Jr – President and Chief Executive Officer, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) leads the list of international speakers at the conclave. With over 300,000 members in 165 countries, SHRM is the largest HR professional association in the world, impacting the lives of 115 million workers every day. He is a global leader on the future of employment, culture, and leadership, and is a sought-after voice on all matters affecting work, workers, and the workplace.
Peter Cheese – Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), UK is the next on the list. CIPD is the professional body for more than 150,000 HR and people development professionals around the world. Cheese writes and speaks widely on the development of HR, the future of work, key issues of leadership, culture, organization, people, and skills.
Chief People Officer – Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Paul Mills who has over 25 years of experience in HR is the next speaker in the line-up. Mills is a Chartered Fellow of CIPD and has worked for Ford, Siemens, Volvo Cars, and Jaguar Land Rover in a variety of HR roles.
The next speaker in the line-up for the conclave is Prof T. V. Rao, the Chairman of TV Rao Learning Systems, India was a professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad and is the co-founder of the National HRD Network and Academy of HRD in India.
The other international speakers joining the line-up at the conclave include Ivan Livoni – Global HR Director Operations & HQ Staff Trelleborg Wheel Systems, Sarah McCann Bartlett – CEO/MD Australian HR Institute, Dr Fang Lee Cooke – Fellow, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Distinguished Professor Monash Business School, Dr Lester Massingham – International Management Consultant, Executive Trainer and Speaker, Dr D. Prasanth Nair – Chief HR Advisor in TVS Capital Fundsis Co-founder of Asynithis (Indus Partners), Udaya Indrarathna – CEO, Tourism Vertical of a large Saudi owned Global Conglomerate, Colin Blackwell – Founder, Enablecode & Hyperion Fintech AG and Dr Kazuo Yano – Fellow, Hitachi Ltd. and CEO, Happiness Planet Ltd.
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.”