Business
High Grade Eastern Mineral Sands Project ready to Commence Development
Capital Metals plc, a UK mineral resources company listed on the London Stock Exchange, is ready to commence development of its high grade mineral sands project in the Eastern Province. The extensive studies completed by the local Sri Lankan subsidiary, Damsila Exports (Pvt) Ltd, indicated the availability of commercial quantities of high grade mineral sands in this region. Local investment company, Keynes Investments (Pvt) Ltd, was recently brought in to hold 60% of Damsila. Keynes is principally held by Dinal Peiris, who is also the Chairman of Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC Group and several other well-known companies in Sri Lanka.
The project commenced in 2015 with Capital Metals, a specialized mineral resource exploration and development company with significant international experience, acquiring ownership of Damsila which held the initial exploration licenses. With investment from Capital Metals, Damsila completed numerous studies and obtained approval from the Department of Coast Conservation & Coastal Resources Management for its environmental impact studies following extensive local community and governmental consultation. With total expenditure to date of over US$11 million, Damsila is now awaiting final approval to commence development.
“We are delighted to partner with Capital Metals in this environmentally responsible mining project. This is a first of its kind in Sri Lanka with modern mining practices to protect the environment and bring much needed employment and training to the local community,” said Dinal Peiris.
“With a development plan to ensure a win-win outcome from this project by adhering to rigorous standards for mining and rehabilitation principles, we will leave the area in a better state than we found it. Key advantages of the planned operations are that no blasting or chemicals are required and there will be continuous cleaning and restoration of the mined areas to remove the black mineral sands leaving the golden sands in place. This project will also help to position Sri Lanka as a strategic and responsible source for these critical minerals in the global market place,” said Michael Frayne – CEO and Director, Capital Metals.
The project requires a total investment of over US$80 million and will bring a multitude of benefits to Sri Lanka and its people as it will generate much needed foreign exchange from export income, significantly upgraded infrastructure, employment and skills transfer, as well as various programmes to support local communities. It is estimated that over 300 new direct jobs will be created and the Sri Lankan government will receive over US$100 million in royalties and taxes.
Most importantly, Capital Metal’s pioneering project will, no doubt, open up a new industry in mining heavy mineral sands and other valuable mineral resources in the country and pave the way for similar projects in the future, opening up a much-needed new export industry.
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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