Business
Aitken Spence Heritance Kandalama, Bawa’s vision for sustainable tourism
Heritance Kandalama is an eco-resort nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central province owned and managed by the premier hospitality company Aitken Spence Hotels. The resort is a masterpiece of environmentally friendly architecture and has won numerous awards for its sustainable design. Designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect, Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa, Kandalama is a testament to the concept of eco-friendly construction and the importance of preserving our natural heritage. Recently celebrated at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) Delhi, where it was a key feature of the ‘Geoffrey Bawa: It is essential to be there’ architectural and photographic installation.
The Heritance Kandalama is built into a rocky outcrop amid a lush green forest, overlooking the Kandalama Lake. The design is inspired by the ancient rock temples of Sri Lanka and incorporates natural materials such as timber, stone, and terracotta to create a harmonious blend of modern architecture and traditional design. The resort is self-sufficient in terms of water and energy, utilizing rainwater harvesting and solar panels to meet its needs. It also has a sewage treatment plant that recycles wastewater, ensuring that no harmful pollutants are released into the environment.
The hotel has been designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, with the use of earthy tones and natural materials. The guest room windows frame a stunning view of the lake and the surrounding forest and the Sigiriya Rock. The open-plan design of the rooms allows for natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning.
One of the most impressive features of the resort is its integration into the surrounding ecosystem. The hotel has planted over 3,000 trees on the site and continues to do so, it has created several wetlands and water bodies that provide habitats for numerous species of birds and other wildlife. The hotel also employs several local villagers who have been trained in sustainable farming practices, providing them with a livelihood while also promoting sustainable agriculture.
Preserving the environmentally friendly architecture of Heritance Kandalama is essential to its continued success. The hotel has implemented several measures to ensure that the buildings and infrastructure are maintained in an environmentally responsible manner. The use of eco-friendly cleaning products, recycling of waste, and careful management of water and energy resources are just a few of the initiatives that have been put in place to minimize the environmental impact of the resort.
Speaking about the property, Stasshani Jayawardena – Aitken Spence PLC Director, Head of Tourism and Leisure, and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Management, said, “Heritance Kandalama has become a beacon of hope for sustainable tourism and environmentally friendly architecture. We are very proud to play our role in ensuring Bawa’s vision for the hotel continues 29 years after it was built. We are so happy to be an example of how hospitality and sustainability can coexist, and how tourism can be a force for positive change in the world. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the lessons learned from Heritance Kandalama’s eco-friendly design and operations can serve as a model for future development.”
Heritance Kandalama is home to several cultural and historical sites. One of the most famous of these is Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 5th century AD. The fortress is located atop a massive rock formation and features a series of intricate frescoes and carvings that depict the history and culture of Sri Lanka.
Heritance Kandalama is an excellent destination for eco-tourism enthusiasts who want to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka in an environmentally responsible way. For more information on Heritance Kandalama, log on to www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
