Business
MS Empress’ call at KKS Port signifies northern region’s tourism potential
Ushering in a new era of maritime travel and tourism in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Northern region, the Kankesanturai Port Passenger Terminal (KKSPS) in Jaffna was officially inaugurated recently. The inaugural vessel to call at the port was the magnificent MS Empress from Cordelia Cruises which came from Chennai.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Fisheries, Douglas Devananda, and other guests. The KKSPS, constructed by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) at a cost of Rs. 450 million, promises to revolutionize passenger travel in the region.
The introduction of passenger ships to Sri Lanka not only aims to generate revenue but also aims to foster friendship and strengthen the bond between the two nations. Minister de Silva emphasized the government’s commitment to bolstering Jaffna’s economy by providing opportunities for local products to be sold at the passenger terminal.
Notably, the government of India has allocated funds for the development of the Kankesanturai port. Once received, these funds will be utilized to complete the port’s development, including the construction of two new jetties, a warehouse, and the enhancement of the existing jetty.
The Minister highlighted that these developments would enable larger ships to access the port and offer exceptional facilities to tourists. He expressed his views while witnessing the inaugural arrival of the MS Empress in Jaffna.
“We anticipate that the influx of tourists through this venture will stimulate various sectors, including hospitality, retail, transportation, and local businesses, creating a ripple effect of prosperity for the communities in and around all three regions the MS Empress will also be calling at; Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Jaffna,” Minister de Silva stated.
Together with the Cordelia team, Sri Lanka aim to attract a minimum of 80,000 visitors within the next four months, showcasing the diverse offerings of our country.
“This partnership not only promises significant economic growth but also fosters intercultural connections and promotes sustainable development,” expressed Advantis Group Managing Director Ruwan Waidyaratne.
The Travel and Aviation arm of the Advantis Group will act as the General Sales Agent, while Clarion Shipping, a subsidiary of the Advantis Group, will serve as the Port Agent for Cordelia Cruises in Sri Lanka.
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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