Business
Microsoft and DP Education join hands to empower the future generation of Sri Lanka with future ready tech skills
Microsoft Sri Lanka and DP Education, the education arm of the Dhammika and Priscilla Perera Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently to empower the nation’s youth in digital literacy, knowledge to harness the power of technology, especially 21st century tech skills and secure pathways to a brighter future. With Sri Lanka increasingly advancing towards a digital economy where comprehension of STREAM, coding and digital skills would be imperative, there is a critical window of opportunity for Sri Lankan youth entering the workforce over the next decade.
The MoU was signed by Dhammika Perera, Chairman and Founder, DP Education and Harsha Randeny, Country Manager for Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives in the presence of representatives from Microsoft and DP Education.
Driven by a mission to ensure students island wide receive an opportunity to learn AI, coding, robotics and computer programming free of charge, DP Education commissioned its project to the DP Education AI, Coding and Robotics Campus recently.
“Coding is the new language of the world, all including girls, should learn how to code and be part of the digital world. DP Education Coding School will produce one million Sri Lankan coders to build and drive the digital economy of Sri Lanka,” said Dhammika Perera, Chairman and Founder, DP Education.
Within the next three years, DP Education aims to establish 331 coding schools and robotics campuses in all Divisional Secretariats across the country enabling over 165,000 students the opportunity to learn AI, coding, robotics and computer programming free of charge. Centres will be equipped with over seven thousand computers and in addition, every location will be equipped with educational robots to enhance STREAM learning.
Microsoft is on a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Accordingly, Microsoft has collaborated with the initiative to provide tech support and help to bridge the gap between the students and the DP Foundation as they rollout their programs island wide. Thereby connecting students to the courses and materials, bolstering their digital skills, and supporting the creation of a skilled workforce able to compete in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
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.”