Business
Merrill J. Fernando, champion of ‘Business for Peace’
With profound sadness, the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICC Sri Lanka) mourns the passing of Merrill J. Fernando, the visionary founder of Dilmah Tea, who has left an indelible mark on the tea industry and the business world. Merrill J. Fernando was an advocate for sustainable business practices. His commitment to promoting peace through business was recognised in 2015 when he received the Business for Peace Award from the Oslo-based Business for Peace Foundation, ICC Sri Lanka says in a press release.
The release adds: ‘Merrill J. Fernando’s journey began with a vision to offer the world the finest tea, crafted with passion and integrity. With his unwavering dedication to quality and sustainability, he built Dilmah Tea into a globally renowned brand that stood for excellence, ethics, and fairness. He firmly believed in the power of business to foster understanding and harmony among communities. His tireless efforts to promote ethical business practices and sustainable development made him a role model for entrepreneurs around the globe’.
‘The 2015 Business for Peace Award, conferred upon him by the esteemed Business for Peace Foundation, recognised Merrill J. Fernando’s outstanding contributions to society. His nomination by the ICC further underscored his significance as a transformative force in the business community, exemplifying the positive impact that responsible and compassionate entrepreneurship can have on the world.
‘Under the leadership of Mr Fenando, Dilmah Tea was selected as one of Sri Lanka’s Most Admired Companies by the ICC Sri Lanka, based on its financial and non-financial performance. The Dilmah founder was honoured as the ‘Most Admired Leader in Sri Lanka’. He was chosen for his passionate commitment to quality and integrity, and for making business a matter of human service. ICC Sri Lanka reflects on his life and legacy, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Dilmah Tea family. Merrill J. Fernando’s spirit of innovation, integrity, and dedication to making a positive difference will live on, continuing to inspire generations to come.’
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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