Business
New Chairperson at CCC’s Council for Startups
The third Annual General Meeting of the Council for Startups (CFS) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) was held on the 8th of June 2023. Members, invitees & extended members of the startup community were in attendance for this prestigious event to welcome Mr. Shalin Balasuriya, an eminent figure in the entrepreneurial realm, as the Chairperson for the year 2023/2024, a CCC news release said.
Mr. Prajeeth Balasubramaniam, the outgoing Chairperson completed a successful tenure of two years since its inception to date, leveraging multiple parties for the betterment of the startup community. Mr. Balasuriya extended his thanks to Mr. Balasubramaniam for initiating & creating this council in time of dire need to help startups flourish through uncertain times in reference to funding, market access, taxation & other needs, the release added.
CFS comprises members that can aid in all aspects of business, from audit to HR, to presentations & more, as well as plays an active role in simplifying policy-related issues, enabling startups to carry out activities such as share swaps & expanding overseas. Before handing over, Mr. Balasubramaniam concluded by addressing the audience.
“This council was created with the sole intention of helping startups via the Chamber, leveraging over 30 bilateral councils to gain access to new markets. CCC is the largest private sector body in the country & also makes an effort through policy changes to create a conducive environment for business.”
Newly appointed Chairperson Balasuriya shared his remarkable background, recounting the success story of his own startup, celebrated both locally in Sri Lanka and on a global scale. Driven by a desire to contribute his invaluable expertise, he expressed his wholehearted commitment to empowering the Council for Startups.
He emphasized greatly on the importance & significant role that market segmentation plays in regard to expanding businesses internationally, sharing that tailoring & curating one’s approach to diverse markets is the key to unlocking their full potential.
Moreover, he highlighted that the Council is proactively seeking out areas in which assistance is most needed. CFS stands ready to provide comprehensive support in a multitude of ways through the Council’s influential connections with The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce & the Bi-Lateral Business Councils, emphasizing the organization of its renowned accelerator program called ‘Innovate Lanka,’ through which selected startups gain entry into the GEN Global Entrepreneurship program.
He assured extending his personal support & guidance to aspiring startups & entrepreneurs, further magnifying the impact of this alliance. Stressing on the fact that collaborations between startups & CFS are highly encouraged, Mr. Balasuriya stated that this would be essential & necessary for sustainable operation & success of the Council.
Consisting of distinguished business leaders of multiple sectors that will offer their services & experience to the members of CFS, the Executive Committee was appointed for the year 2023/2024; Mr. Shalin Balasuriya, Chairperson – CFS; Mr. Ashique Ali; Mrs. Brindha Selvadurai-Gnanam; Mr. Chandula Abeywickrema; Mr. Eric Dathika Wickramanayake; Mr. Sanji De Silva; Mr. Shiluka Goonewardene.
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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