Business
Training school for firefighters to be set up in Galle
For the first time in South Asia, an internationally-accredited training school for firefighters will be opened in Galle, aiming to attract both local and foreign students.The two companies involved in this initiative, Association of Firefighters South Korea and Troja International Management and Consulting Services, Biyagama, are targeting to attract students from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives to follow this six months course.
Though there is huge demand in the world for qualified firefighters, there is no internationally qualified firefighting training school in the region, hence many high- paying international job opportunities do not come to the region, depriving it of a huge amount of foreign remittances, informed sources said.
“It is to fill this gap that we joined Association of Firefighters South Korea, one of the largest training schools in Korea, said chairman, Troja International Management and Consulting Services Dr. Nimal Rohitha Kahagalagewa.
Kahagalagewa said that they hope to commence the course in September and are expecting to produce 500 firefighters within the first six months.
Director, Troja international Ravindra Gayanath said that they have already received the approval and the assistance of the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara. “The minister has also provided space to us from the Galle Town Hall premises to launch this course. We hope to advertise this course from next month.”
‘The Galle Municipal Council firefighting unit too would be upgraded to facilitate practical training activities, chairman, Association of Firefighters South Korea, Kang Yun Jin said. ‘Sri Lanka went through a financial crisis and we are very keen to open this school in Sri Lanka which will help to increase remittances to the island.’
Kang added: ‘After undergoing the first course (TOPIK2) in Sri Lanka, trainees will be recruited to the school where they will be provided advanced training and then sent for employment where over 450 companies in Korea have ready-made jobs for them. The minimum salary would be nearly Rs. 700,000.”If our firefighters want to move to Europe, UK or USA this too is possible as our certificate is accepted all over the world.’
Chairman, Association of Nursing South Korea, Kim Song Chor said that as in the case of firefighters there is also a demand for caregivers in hospitals in Korea and that they hope to introduce a similar TOPIK2 course in nursing, starting at the end of the year, also in Galle.
Chor, who is also a Vice President at the Association of Firefighters said they will be sending volunteer teachers for both these courses, while online platforms too would be introduced.
(HS)
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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