Business
SL seen as best venue for mega apparel sourcing exhibition; her ‘resilience’ a plus factor
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
A leading Mumbai based trade promotion organization has selected Sri Lanka as one of the best venues to host a mega apparel sourcing exhibition, given the country’s resilient situation owing to internal and external shocks.
“Sri Lankan is a country that is very much quite resilient to any external or internal shock and could bounce back easily. The apparel sector, which brings foreign reserves into the country, though facing a dip will turn around by the end of the year, Executive Director, World India Exhibition and Promotion Pvt. Ltd, (WORLDEX) Arti Bhagat said.
“Despite all the setbacks we intend to host a mega Sri Lanka apparel sourcing exhibition, INTEX South Asia, in Sri Lanka at the BMICH on August 10, 11 and 12 this year after a lapse of several years, Bhagat told The Island Financial Review.
Bhagat added: “We are expecting more than 120 stalls from nine countries, including India, China, Korea, Pakistan, Indonesia, UK and Bangladesh, besides several other countries. So far we have got clear support from the Sri Lankan authorities and other visiting countries.
“The current economic pressures are not something unique to Sri Lanka and are a global phenomenon resulting from the Ukraine-Russia war and the economic recession in some European countries. Bangladesh too is facing a similar issue, being one of the leading apparel exporters of the world.
“Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were affected owing to the fact that they do not have a sizable domestic market, unlike India.
“Our company saw a huge potential in the Sri Lanka apparel sector and decided to hold their first exhibition in Sri Lanka in 2015 and then had regular events in Bangladesh and India. We have to date held five INTEX exhibitions in Sri Lanka, three in Bangladesh and two in India.
“We still see a raw material issue for the Sri Lankan apparel sector and through our exhibitions we meet global suppliers along with local manufacturers. Already over 100 companies from the USA, UK, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have said that they will participate.
“The exhibition is also supported by apparel related associations and ministries. In addition, this year some of the companies will also bring modern technology used in the apparel sector to be deployed in Sri Lanka.
“With our excellent mix of international and regional exhibitors, Intex South Asia is the perfect platform for textile and apparel SMEs keen to do business internationally.
“The Expo will create powerful opportunities to increase exports of textile and clothing products to EU and non-EU markets. We will also host several technical seminars related to the apparel sector during the event.”
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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