Business
Dr. Niroshan J. Pieries appointed Cluster Director/CEO of LAUGFS Gas
Truly great leaders transform teams, create and manage effective processes, and help their employees grow. With over 20 years of corporate exposure, Dr. Niroshan J. Pieries is recognised as an inspirational leader guiding many local and international brands to their success. In a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Niroshan boasts vast experience across numerous industries – from Shipping and Logistics, to Banking and Finance; from Insurance and Telecommunications, to Power and Energy.
Having joined LAUGFS Lubricants as their Chief Operating Officer, Niroshan oversaw the national operations at LAUGFS Lubricants initially. Showcasing a panache for service excellence through relentless dedication, He rose through the ranks, and in 2020 was appointed as the Director/CEO of LAUGFS Lubricants – becoming the youngest CEO within the ever-expanding Sri Lankan lubricant industry. Having purview over the LAUGFS Car Care brand and the Southern Petroleum companies, He played a significant role in driving the growth and success of LAUGFS, transforming the brand into a globally recognised, highly profitable and sustainable business. As a result of his continuous dedication and exemplary performance, in March 2023, Dr. Niroshan was appointed as the cluster Director/CEO of LAUGFS Gas.
As a firm believer of ‘working smart’ and the concept of ‘strategic agility’, Dr. Niroshan echoes the belief of finding a way to do things differently, while ensuring the best possible outcome. He believes that continuous disruptive innovation is a must for any business to thrive in today’s challenging, and highly volatile socio-economic environment. Dr. Niroshan’s main business ethos is based on the concept of ‘resourcefulness’ – as he believes it is what separates a successful business from one that struggles. He believes optimising resources and strategically targeted investments drive value creation by enabling the business to expand their reach while best utilising the assets at hand.
Dr. Niroshan stands out amidst the sea of corporate leadership due to his constant efforts at sharing his vast knowledge with the rising generation of future leaders. He is recognised as an inspirational leader, with values driven from a deep sense of purpose – that of driving positive change. Having inculcated an organisational culture based on the fundamentals of sharing skills and expertise through brainstorming and thought mapping, He strives to solve cross-cutting business issues through guided internal ideation; enabling internal development while propelling organisational optimisation.
As the CEO of LAUGFS Lubricants, Dr. Niroshan was able to transform a struggling business to one that is highly profitable and sustainable at its core. Awarded as the ‘People Leader – Marketing’ in 2017, He led LAUGFS Lubricants to be recognised as the ‘Best Turnaround Brand’ for the year 2020. Despite the challenging macroeconomic conditions brought about by the pandemic, the company was able to execute its expansion strategy by establishing its presence in Bangladesh in 2022, opening its corporate office a year later, while further expanding its operations to the Maldives. Recognised for his efforts in transforming LAUGFS Lubricants into a strong, unique brand, he was named as the ‘Business Transformation CEO’ for the year 2022.
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
