Business
David Pieris Group takes Go-Karting to North & East
An event centered around Go-karting was organized recently by the David Pieris Group (DPG) in the Northern and Eastern Provinces providing an opportunity for the community, mainly for the youth, to witness and experience motorsports. This event was also intended to support the tourism industry in these two regions.
A mini go-karting track was set up and managed in each region for two days in Marine Square, Kattankudy & Pannai Road, Jaffna by David Pieris Racing and Leisure (Pvt) Ltd. The event in each region included demonstration races, instructional videos and opportunity for riders to share their experience with those present at the location. More than 400 people participated in both Kattankudy and Jaffna.
A limited over Cricket Tournament between DPG and Kattankudy Community titled, “DPG Eastern Province Cricket Fiesta” too was held at Shivananda Grounds in Kallady parallel to the Go-karting event. Trophies were awarded for the Champions, Man of the Match, Best Bowler, Best Batsman, etc. The cricket tournament which resulted in community engagement and teamwork concluded on a high note with the participation of Senior Management of the David Pieris Group.
In 2022, DPG launched a special programme to widen the Group’s footprint in the Northern and East Provinces. The trade associations in the two provinces came forward to support these efforts and to facilitate the DPG offerings to the existing and potential customers. Further, 20 members from the Batticaloa and Kattankudy Trade Associations recently visited the DPG offices in Colombo and their Facilities Complexes, the newly opened Pearl Bay at Bandaragama and the SpeedBay at Port City Colombo. This two-day tour provided the team with in-depth exposure to the Group’s portfolio of business and road map for the coming years.
A year ago, DPMC Workshop Jaffna, a vehicle service and maintenance facility as well as a Bajaj Genuine Spare Parts Outlet were setup in Kokuvil, Jaffna. A programme was conducted to educate and create awareness about road safety and discipline with the support of Traffic Police Officers in the Jaffna Region by Assetline Finance Ltd; the financial services arm of the David Pieris Group. The Group also conducted a women empowerment programme under which technical training in Bajaj three-wheeler and motorcycle repairs and a NVQ4 (National Vocational Qualification) level certificate were offered. Some of the participating women are already working in vehicle service centers.
The Group, as their next step, plans to conduct an entrepreneurship training workshop coupled with an environmental conservation programme under their Northern and Eastern Province Development Programme. The Group will continue to contribute towards the enhancement of the economy in these two regions.
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.”