Business
5th Cargills Square opens in Bandarawela: Building hope
In a time marked by global economic challenges, Cargills, a pioneer in innovation and community development, unveils its latest endeavor: the Cargills Square mall in the heart of Bandarawela. The Bandarawela mall becomes the fifth Cargills Square to be opened by the company, and the second mall to be opened during 2023.
A beacon of confidence
The Cargills Square is more than just a mall; it is a symbol of resilience and optimism in Sri Lanka’s future. Through its decision to invest in the Cargills Square in Bandarawela, Cargills has shone a light of hope for the local community as well as the country at large, creating a unique shopping and entertainment hub for families, youth, and visitors to Bandarawela. The five-story shopping and entertainment complex includes a Cargills Food City supermarket, a Food Court with multiple restaurants, retail shops, a KFC restaurant, and 2 cinema screens including a 3D facility to watch the latest cinematic releases. The complex also houses a Cargills Bank branch, to provide convenient financial solutions to customers.
Empowering the youth, building dreams
One of the primary visions behind Cargills Square is to empower the youth and ignite their aspirations. By creating family-friendly entertainment complexes, Cargills aims to provide spaces where dreams can flourish and where the younger generation can envision a future filled with opportunities. The meticulously designed entertainment facilities, thoughtfully curated retail outlets, and vibrant atmosphere are all aimed at inspiring creativity, innovation, and personal growth among the youth of Bandarawela and beyond.
Beyond urban boundaries Cargills has always been committed to the upliftment of communities across Sri Lanka, contributing towards the development of rural towns and the country as a whole. While many shopping and entertainment complexes are confined to urban areas, the Cargills Square mall defies this norm. The company envisions to transcend geographical boundaries and make modern, world-class entertainment and shopping facilities inclusive for all communities across the country. The Cargills Square concept was first introduced in 2013 with the objective of providing entertainment and shopping experiences for customers in areas outside the Colombo city limits. Following the success of the first Cargills Square in Jaffna, which was the first large-scale commercial investment in the North by a blue-chip company, Cargills subsequently opened three more malls in Gampaha, Dematagoda, and Katubedda.
Cultural value and history
The location of the Cargills Square mall in Bandarawela, once housed the infamous Cargills department store which dates back to the 1800s. This heritage building has been preserved and transformed by the company to suit the demands of the modern consumer while retaining its rich history. Not too far from the location lies the iconic Bandarawela Hotel – another heritage building which has history going back to the year 1893.
As the Cargills Square in Bandarawela opens its doors, the company invites the community to come together and create lasting memories. Built with an investment of Rupees 1.6 billion, the project stands as a testament to the Cargills Group’s confidence in the potential of the Sri Lankan economy and its commitment to fostering hope and opportunities for the youth
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.
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.”
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