Business
Cargills takes its processes of professionalisation as critical: Ranjit Page
“I don’t take on things that are not a good use of my forte and time”
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Professionalisation of all operational activities of Cargills PLC has been a critical characteristic in gaining the trust and confidence of all its stakeholders, Ranjit Page, Deputy Chairman of Cargills PLC told The Island Financial Review.
‘Cargills was an old building which needed new energy, and we gave it oxygen for revitalization at the right time. We didn’t look at our business from a self-serving interest of growing our bottom line. We took a holistic view and embraced the interests of all our stakeholders. That’s how we have been able to make Cargills a thriving and robust platform where everyone can mutually benefit from. That reliability, integrity and agility have elevated Cargills to be a truly professionalized entity today,” he said.
The corporate leader with great business acumen and insights made these remarks when The Island had a brief interview with him at the 20th ‘Cargills Village to Home’ SME empowering programme, held on 29th July at Cargills Food City Delkanda.
When asked to reveal the formula behind Cargills’ success, Page who prefers to use brief, succinct answers said, “Passion, hard work and our teamwork.”
“We have worked very hard to bring Cargills to the point where it is today. The Company has provided clarity on its principles, direction and purpose. I don’t say one thing and do another. I lead by example. It is up to the next leaders and their colleagues to take the Company forward with the same degree of passion and commitment,” he said.
When asked about the risks and pressures the food industry is facing currently due to low margins, supply-chain disruptions and fierce competition, he said,” Cargills is not affected by blood pressure, cholesterol or any other pressures because of the way the company has been operating since it was founded. I am not risk averse, but I don’t take on things that are not a good use of my forte and time. For example, if somebody asked me to enter politics, I wouldn’t because I am not good at persuading people to vote for me,” he said laughing.
Talking about his business philosophy, Page said,” Cargills believes in the future of Sri Lanka and the opportunities it offers for the hard-working young people to have a fair share of its prosperity. You see, Sri Lanka has given this opportunity to Cargills, so we shall continue to serve Sri Lanka keeping the best interests of our people at heart.”
Revealing a bit about his life at home he said,” Mrs. Page and I have been married for 40 years. She runs the family affairs and I run the business. I never take unfinished work home so that I can make the best time at home with my wife and two children.”
The business magnate who has created multiple lines of enterprise keeps himself in fantastic shape, takes an occasional glass of red wine and is concerned about eating right and sleeping well.
When asked what makes him happy, he said,” “During the day, I get energy from seeing the positive impact of our teamwork on the farmer community, employees, SME entrepreneurs, consumers and the society at large through our CSR programmes. In the night, that soothing feeling puts me into a good night’s sleep. 100% of my happiness is derived from seeing others succeed with the help Cargills provides.”
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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