Business
Fems H.E.R. Foundation empowers women and girls across Sri Lanka, igniting an unstoppable journey
Women and girls can be powerful agents of change. However, greater focus is needed to create an environment to enable them to participate as equal decision-makers in their homes and communities. Providing them with more opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the country’s development and future prosperity is essential. Fems, a leading feminine hygiene care brand by Hemas Consumer Brands, has always encouraged and supported women to achieve their dreams in their chosen fields. Recognizing the importance empowered women and girls play in building better futures for themselves and society, Fems is taking the lead in accelerating progress for women through introducing the ‘H.E.R Foundation’ (Help. Empower. Rise.)
Shiyan Jayaweera, Director Marketing of Hemas Consumer Brands, said, “Fems, as a flagship feminine hygiene care brand, has consistently championed the rise of women and girls by empowering them to dream beyond societal constraints. The H.E.R. Foundation is a natural extension of our commitment in supporting women’s health and hygiene needs, providing solutions and resources that will help raise awareness, educate communities, and further encourage women and girls in the country to overcome various hurdles.”
The H.E.R Foundation is dedicated to addressing the challenges Sri Lankan women and girls face, through initiatives ranging from education on hygiene practices to improving access to sanitary napkins, igniting their unstoppable journey. The initiative, based on three core pillars: Help, Empower and Rise, seeks to advance an environment of inclusivity and empowerment for women from all walks of life.
The Help pillar focuses on affordability and accessibility. Insufficient education and affordability have led 70% of women within the country to irregular access to napkins. So Fems introduced ‘AYA’ in 2022, a pioneering economical sanitary napkin brand with exceptional product standards. The Foundation ensures that ‘AYA’ sanitary napkins are within reach for every woman, supporting them to face their period with dignity and ease. To date ‘Aya’ has been made accessible to over 270,000 households island wide.
The Empower pillar champions open discussions and unhindered access to sanitary products. By introducing sanitary napkins in schools and workplaces, Fems seeks to empower girls and women to embrace their journey without any difficulty. Fems has trained and educated over 125,000 women and girls on good menstrual hygiene practices through its school and corporate education programs.
The Rise pillar challenges gender norms and inspires future generations while recognising and celebrating the achievements of women from diverse backgrounds.
To amplify the impact and widen its sphere of influence, the H.E.R. Foundation partners with like-minded organizations, individuals, and advocates who share a common vision of Empowering women. H.E.R Foundation currently collaborates with the Sarvodaya Women’s Movement, Fusion, Arka Initiative and the MJF Charitable Foundation.
The call to action is clear: H.E.R. Foundation welcomes those who are committed to making a difference. Looking ahead, the Foundation aims to foster deeper partnerships with organizations, driving substantial change and championing the cause of women’s progress, creating a greater impact that extends beyond cultures and generations.
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.”