Business
LOVI Ceylon Nationals to reimagine corporate wear
“In today’s global economy, self-confidence is a must. And uniqueness a strategic advantage for any leader. With that in mind, I invite our forward-thinking leaders to wear LOVI’s refresh of the iconic Sri Lankan National”, said Asanka de Mel, CEO of LOVI Ceylon. “In fact, our national dress is a testament to Sri Lanka’s diversity and inclusion. With the sarong’s Indonesian origins and the kurta’s Indian origins, our national dress bears centuries of influences that have shaped Sri Lanka, harmonizing to give rise to a unique fashion identity.”
In 2016, de Mel returned to Colombo leaving behind a successful technology career in Silicon Valley, and fired with the mission of transforming the sarong into an innovatively designed style statement for the modern Sri Lankan. He has now taken yet another step further in his mission to reposition our national dress.
For each of the corporate leaders of the 289 Colombo Stock Exchange listed companies, the top 1,000 privately held companies, and the aspiring entrepreneurs LOVI urges you to include the national as board room and event wear.
LOVI’s take on the Sri Lankan national dress is based on de Mel’s desire to establish a visual identity for all Sri Lankans regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, age or social standing. “If the whole of Sri Lanka is a team, what would our uniform look like?” asks de Mel. The new collection aptly titled ‘Reimagine’ does just that.
De Mel said that the new LOVI national for corporate wear focuses on creating an easy uniform which is both businesslike yet confidently anchored in our roots. A unique style statement, that can hold its own in any corporate board room and is naturally suited to our climate.
This collection also showcases a feminine version of the national dress for women, something hitherto unheard of. ” The traditional national does not take into account half of our people” said de Mel. “The Saree and Osariya involuntarily filled this void; however LOVI Nationals interpretation of the traditional National makes any woman feel feminine, powerful and chic. Even the Lama Saree (female child’s saree) gets a refresh, to create a timeless, elegant boardroom fashion statement.
All LOVI Ceylon garments are designed and made locally using Sri Lankan resources and craftsmanship to the fullest extent possible. The quality of finish that LOVI CEYLON demands is the same as that of any luxury design house. A similar quality garment would cost twice or thrice as much if made internationally. LOVI sources its fabrics and craftsmanship all from within our borders, keeping local communities, craftsmen and businesses thriving and earning through these difficult and uncertain times.
The new National by LOVI Ceylon aims to become standard office wear imbued of course with a style all of its own, simultaneously instilling in the wearer a sense of Confidence, National pride and a unique identity. LOVI Nationals could be custom made or purchased from any of their shops at the One Galle Face Mall, Kandy City Centre or at Lakpahana, or else online at lovisarongs.com
As de Mel is always at hand to ensure a personalized customer experience, his dream of the LOVI National soon becoming a boardroom fixture is bound to become a reality. “I hope that very soon every Corporate boardroom will have a fair representation of its forward-thinking directors clad in a LOVI National”.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”