Business
BOI, EDB and LAN join hands for WeScale Sri Lanka’s ‘Industry Night’
Representatives from the country’s Board Of Investment (BOI) and Export Development Board (EDB) joined Lankan Angel Network (LAN) board members, and other dignitaries, at the recently concluded WeScale Sri Lanka “Industry Night”.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Dr. Harsha de Silva MP noted the need for collaborative efforts between government institutions like the BOI and EDB, to ensure resources and goals are aligned and shared instead of efforts being unnecessarily duplicated. The country should also optimize its potential by better regulating and leveraging its trade history. Diversification of export products beyond just apparels was also required, with gender diversity promoted in the workforce. These actions, according to Dr. de Silva, would drive economic growth and create a prosperous future for Sri Lanka.
Keynote speakers Prasanjith Wijayatilake, the Executive Director for Investment promotion at the BOI, and Ms. Indumini Kodikara, the Director of Export Services at the EDB, also spoke at the event. Other dignitaries in attendance included SLASSCOM Chairperson Ashique M. Ali; LAN Chairperson Prajeeth Balasubramaniam; former LAN Chairperson Ms. Chandi Dharmaratne; LAN Board Members . Nathan Sivagananathan, Mr. Sharhan Muhseen and Mr. Shiluka Goonewardene; Serial Innovator and Entrepreneur . Heminda Jayaweera; Business Consultant Mevan Peiris; and Ms. Shan Corea, from Appe Lanka.
The following WeScale Sri Lanka participants were also present: Ms. Ruwini Jayarathne – Ruwini Jayarathne Jewelry; Ms. Achinthya Neligama – Ingrow Holdings; Ms. Draupadie Wickramasinghe – Maja a New Story; Ms. Upeka Premathilaka – Ample; Ms. Nabeela Yaseen – Stoned Jewelry; Ms. Shanika Sandeepani – AGC Innovate; Ms. Pulani Ranasinghe – Loons Lab; Ms. Safiya Sideek – Elements by Safiya and Ms. Tharika Keragala Arachchi – The Empress Kingdom.
A USAID-led program for Women Entrepreneurs (WEs) spanning Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, WeScale is organized and hosted in Sri Lanka by the Lankan Angel Network (LAN). The entirety of the WeScale program encompasses 12 weeks, and includes a 4-week intensive session where local founders can benefit from multiple opportunities to interact with domain experts, mentors and investors.
WeScale Sri Lanka’s recent ‘Industry Night,’ held at the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, was the last in-person event of the Sri Lankan leg of WeScale. Now, the selection process has begun for WeScale+, which will continue until July 13, along with an in-person symposium that kicks off on July 10, 2023.
Speaking at the event, former LAN Chairperson Ms. Chandi Dharmaratne noted that programs like WeScale facilitated greater access to capital for startups, along with other types of support, which was essential for them to scale. By bringing together investors, industry professionals and startup founders, programs like WeScale have aided LAN in leveling up Sri Lanka’s already vibrant startup ecosystem. This in turn has also paved the way for this country to become a shining example for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Asian region.
Beginning with the 100 Women Entrepreneurs who entered the WeScale programs across Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, the final phase will zero in on the program’s top 20 Women Entrepreneurs, overall, across all represented countries, with a mission to make them investment- and scale-ready. From Sri Lanka, five Women Entrepreneurs, out of 16 applicants, will move on to participate in WeScale+ in New Delhi, India.
Designed to support Women Entrepreneurs in scaling their tech-focused and -enabled businesses to the next level, WeScale is coordinated by the South Asia Regional Digital Initiative (SARDI), which is a part of USAID’s Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP). Its partners include DAI and Accelerating Asia, along with LAN, Bangladesh Angels, India Accelerator and SAFAL.
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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