Business
Smart Factory Turnaround, to provide significant bottom-line improvements

XdotO Concepts, the pioneering industry 4.0 solutions provider, and the Center for Lean Excellence (CLE)– a certified process innovator & people empowerment solution provider, are poised to revolutionise and shape the future of manufacturing industries with the launch of the Smart Factory Turnaround initiative. This ground-breaking program empowers manufacturers to experience a substantial enhancement in their financial performance. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these collaborative entities, the program aims to revolutionise the manufacturing sector and drive remarkable advancements in overall profitability.
“The primary objective of this partnership is to establish a business that aligns with the principles of Industry 4.0 while incorporating cutting-edge infrastructure and adopting data-driven decision-making processes. Together, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, driving industry advancements, and providing exceptional value to our clients,” says Indika Karunarathne, Chief Executive Officer of XdotO Concepts. XdotO Concepts is a cutting-edge industry 4.0 solutions provider in Sri Lanka that is making great strides in enabling smart-connected factories in the region. Their recent participation at ITMA 2023 is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation in the manufacturing industry on a global level.
Director of CLE Lapitha Gunasinghe commented on the partnership saying: “We aim to foster a cohesive environment where people and processes work in harmony while promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Furthermore, we aim to establish a unified and reliable source of information, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout the organisation. By pursuing these goals, we anticipate building a robust and forward-thinking enterprise that remains at the forefront of technological advancements and best practices.” CLE is a registered training and consulting provider specialising in process innovation and people development. The organisation is ISO 18404:2015 certified and collaborates with Toyota Engineering Corporation (TEC) in Japan to offer training programs on the Toyota Production System (TPS) in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
The collaboration between these two companies offers customers a unique advantage by enabling the creation of a Smart Factory Turnaround that encompasses crucial aspects for optimising manufacturing operations. First and foremost, a substantial positive impact on the bottom line can be achieved through this program, whilst the implementation of an automated and technologically advanced factory eliminates the reliance on paper-based processes.
“The focus on the development of a workforce that is adept at upskilling and motivated at all levels will empower the manufacturers with a smart workforce who will be aligned to continuous improvement. The creation of an optimised process-driven culture will seamlessly drive organisations towards their goals. Furthermore, the Payback facet guarantees that clients will witness tangible results within a 12–18 month time frame, offering manufacturers an unparalleled opportunity to transform their manufacturing operations into intelligent, efficient, and environmentally conscious entities,” adds Asanka Henegedara, Director People’s Excellence, CLE.
Dulantha Balasooriya – Director of Business Operations at XdotO Concepts also expressed his excitement stating: “The partnership between XdotO Concepts and the Center for Lean Excellence presents an exceptional opportunity for potential customers to access a truly unique solution. By combining the expertise, resources, and cutting-edge technologies of both companies, they are poised to deliver an unparalleled offering that addresses the specific needs and challenges of manufacturing organisations. With our shared vision and collaborative approach, we are confident in our ability to revolutionise the manufacturing industry and deliver transformative results. We are excited to see our potential customers joining us on this exciting journey and experience the benefits of our powerful partnership firsthand.”
The unveiling of the Smart Factory Turnaround initiative has already sparked overwhelming interest in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other regional countries, and is poised to pave the way for a future of intelligent manufacturing.
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.”