Business
Emirates announces key appointments for its Sri Lanka and Maldives operations
Rashid Al Ardha appointed Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives; Chandana de Silva to assume new role as Manager Government Liaison – Sri Lanka and Maldives
Emirates has announced the appointment of Rashid Al Ardha as the new Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, with effect from 1 August. Rashid will take on the role previously held by Chandana de Silva, who will assume new responsibilities as the airline’s Manager Government Liaison – Sri Lanka and Maldives.
In his new post, Rashid will be responsible for supporting Emirates’ commercial objectives, overseeing the airline’s operations across the two island nations as well as maintaining crucial relations with various stakeholders. He is currently Country Manager Singapore & Brunei, in a role he has held since 2019, and will continue to report to Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – West Asia and Indian Ocean. Prior to his role in Singapore, Rashid was Country Manager – Indonesia.
Chandana de Silva, who has served Emirates since 2008 has played a key role in leading the airline’s operations, driving growth and strengthening Emirates’ footprint in the country over the past 15 years. His wealth of experience gained over his career in the two countries’ aviation industries will be leveraged to facilitate the further growth of Emirates’ operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
On the two appointments, Ahmed Khoory, SVP of Commercial Operations-West Asia and Indian Ocean said: “I would like to wholeheartedly thank Chandana for his contributions to Emirates’ success in both Sri Lanka and Maldives during his tenure as Country Manager. We wish him continued achievements in this new and important role where he will dedicate his efforts to nurturing long-standing relationships with government stakeholders and authorities and pivot his invaluable experience gained over an illustrious career with us.”
“I would also like to congratulate Rashid on his new post and wish him luck in this new role. Rashid’s experience in various markets will bring a new perspective to how we serve customers and overcome unique challenges faced by the industry,” continued Khoory.
Emirates launched its services to Sri Lanka in 1986 and since then has carried more than 11 million passengers on the route. The airline currently provides two direct daily flights to Colombo and an additional daily service via Male. It is also the only international carrier to serve the country with First Class services.
Emirates has supported the development and growth of tourism as well trade in the Maldives for more than three and a half decades. The award-winning global airline commenced operations to Male on 27th May 1987 and now operates 28 flights a week between Dubai and the Maldives, connecting travellers and exporters to a network of over 140 passenger and cargo destinations.
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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