Business
‘Soul of a City’ photography exhibition showcasing the soul of Kandy
Soul of a City, a photography exhibition and sale showcasing a selection of black and white photographs taken during the COVID pandemic in the city of Kandy by Nadija Weeraratne, will be held on Sunday, 26th March 2023, from 10 am to 6.30pm at the Harrold Peiris Gallery, Lionel Wendt, Colombo 7. Nadija hails from a business background and took up photography purely as a hobby.
With over 40 images, the photographer hopes to take you on a journey across time, space, and reality during uncertain times. Each photograph captures moments of stillness alongside its rich beauty in people and places in a state of isolation and a moment in time that had left an indelible mark on people’s lives. Despite the prevailing movement restrictions at the time, Nadija followed his passion and turned his isolation into a rich palette of reflections. The photographs depict the impact of a global pandemic on individuals, a city, and homeless people on the streets.
Commenting on the exhibition, Nadija stated, “One of the most beautiful aspects of humanity is how we tend to put our best forward in the worst of times. For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic brought an aura of uncertainty and a level of insecurity that primarily affected low-income earners. But, we could also witness the very best that humanity had to offer, with people from all walks of life coming together to help those in need.”
Having had his first introduction to photography by his father at the age of 12, Nadija took years to master photography to produce superior-quality pictures.
The turning point in his career was inviting the famous author Carl Muller for a photoshoot. Despite many early rejections, his persistence finally made Muller agree to a photoshoot. Muller was clearly impressed, as he later even used one of these photographs on the cover of one of his books.
His early work also includes a Coffee Table edition covering the “Kandy Esela Perahera,” the first of its kind ever published in Sri Lanka, acknowledged by Queen Elizabeth II and H.E. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.
Most photographs were captured while commuting to work and some while accompanying a very dear friend who was distributing much-needed food and rations among low-income earners in and around Kandy town during the height of the first COVID pandemic.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
