Business
National Capacity Building Workshop on Accelerating Digital Transformation in Sri Lanka
A National Capacity Building Workshop to Accelerate Digital Government Transformation in Sri Lanka was successfully conducted from June 7-8 with the objective of building the capacities of key government officials to contribute to accelerating the pace of digital governance for sustainable development in Sri Lanka.
The training was organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), through its Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) and its Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka (SDCSL) and the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) with support from United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Sri Lanka.
E-governance is one of the modern initiatives to ensure efficient, effective and transparent governance for sustainable development. Sri Lanka must upscale the public service delivery through an improved e-governance system by accelerating the digital transformation of key sectors across the country, which will deliver the desired sustainable development outcomes.
In general, digital transformation in government frequently focuses on IT infrastructure and digital solutions. However, research has shown that (Richard Heek ,) human infrastructure such as knowledge, skills, attitudes, and mindset of public employees are the main indicators of public administration readiness to implement and sustain e-government. Digital transformation requires a digital mindset and inculcating a digital mindset among public officers requires new skills, work reorganization, and continuous training.
Digital mindset is not just the ability to use technology, but a set of behaviors and attitudes. It is a change in the capabilities of public institutions to keep abreast of technological developments and to understand the benefits and risks of digital technologies to solve complex problems. The contribution of key government officials, especially Chief Digital Information Officers (CDIOs) is crucial for this acceleration and adaptation process.
Considering the necessity, the workshop was organized for the key government stakeholders for furthering their capacities on digital governance and strategy by providing them with knowledge on recent trends and practices in e-governance systems across the globe as well as to contribute to the development of the data policy framework.
Senior Government Representatives from Korea and Singapore presented their national strategies and innovative practices on the digital transformation journey, and the key policies and frameworks including data policy that boosted and quickened the efficiency of citizen-centric service delivery. Further, the knowledge and experience of e-governance strategies from country, regional and global levels were presented and discussed by panelists including the representatives UNDESA, UNESCO etc.
The outcome of the workshop is expected to feed into the National Digital Economy Strategy formulation process initiated by the government.
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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