Business
Occidental Paradise Dambulla and Sri Lanka Cricket team up for a winning initiative
Secluded amidst the wild jungles of historical Dambulla and in close proximity to a UNESCO Heritage site, Occidental Paradise Dambulla is a call to a luxurious adventure with nature and a journey into Sri Lanka’s ancient past. In keeping with the Hotel’s commitment to its surrounding environment and preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage, Occidental Paradise recently partnered with members of the Sri Lanka Cricket Team to carry out a Shramadana campaign. Hotel staff and key national players such as pacer Binura Fernando, leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and all-rounders Lahiru Madushanka and Janith Liyanage set aside their busy schedules to lend a helping hand in the clearing and preservation of the path leading to the nearby Kalu Pokuna or Kaludiya Pokuna, a historical site that houses the ruins of an ancient monastery.
Shramadana which translates to ‘Gift of Labor,’ was indeed a shared effort by all to clear the route to the water pool and famous ruins by making it more accessible to anyone who wishes to visit. From clearing the overgrowth of shrubbery and debris to an extensive fumigation process, each individual worked diligently and as a team to ensure the campaign was an overall success.
Located on the slopes of the Eravalagala hills, which is a mile and a half to the southeast of Kumbukkandanwala in Dambulla, the complex consists of well-planned buildings positioned around the pond. Its design and architecture is a testament to the advanced hydraulic civilization of the time with artificial moats running through certain buildings, making it a unique site for preservation. As Kalu Pokuna is located in close proximity to Occidental Paradise and serves as a point of interest for hotel visitors, it was the quintessential choice for the initiative.
Commenting on the collaboration, Group General Manager of Browns Hotels & Resorts, Eksath Wijeratne said, “The environmental campaign is one of the many initiatives that has been implemented by Browns Hotels & Resorts. Humanitarian efforts to help local citizens during the economic downturn, sponsoring of preschools, beach clean-ups and working in partnership with community centers, are some of the activities that were carried out in order to give back to the community and the environment.”
LOLC Group’s investments in the leisure sector are clustered under Browns Investments, which maintains controlling interest in a number of properties in iconic locations locally and overseas. The portfolio currently consists of Avani Bentota Resort, Club Hotel Dolphin, Dickwella Resort & Spa, Hotel Sigiriya, The Calm Resort & Spa, Occidental Paradise Dambulla,
The Eden Beruwala, 05 boutique properties under Reveal and Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort. A further 2 projects; including a 5-star resort in Beruwala and Port City Mega Leisure development comprising of a 5-star city hotel are scheduled to be unveiled in the near future. Additionally, there is a series of offshore investments with Raddison Blue Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa in Mauritius and 5 upcoming developments in the Maldives with Nasandhura Palace Hotel & Apartment Complex, Hulhumale Resort, Browns Raa Resort, Bodufhinalu (Browns Ari Resort) and Bodhufaru Beach Resort.
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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