Business
SriLankan Airlines’ pioneering aviation workshop for journalists, a ‘runway success’
SriLankan Airlines wrapped up a successful, pioneer two-day workshop on airline operations for local journalists from 13 – 14 September 2023 in Katunayake, laying the groundwork for a new breed of aviation journalism. A first by an airline, the programme illustrated key operational functions including flight operations, engineering, inflight services, ground handling, aviation safety and civil aviation regulations for a 50-strong audience of news and business journalists from English, Sinhala and Tamil language press, radio, TV and digital media organizations.
The workshop was hosted at the SriLankan Aviation College in Katunayake, with the support of the college and close to a dozen internal and external resource persons representing the airline and aviation industry themes that were covered in the programme. The inauguration of the event was attended by the senior management of the airline including Chief Executive Officer, Richard Nuttall, who shared his thoughts on the present and future of aviation in the region.
Day one launched with a welcome and introduction speech by Manager Corporate Communications, Deepal Perera, which was followed by a virtual session on safety in aviation by Assistant Director, Operations, Safety and Security, Asia-Pacific, Capt. Jose Fernandez, and Head of Corporate Communications, Albert Tjoeng, from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The rest of the day’s sessions were delivered by internal resource persons Technical Pilot, Capt. Jayaska Baranage, on Flight Operations; Instructor, Evangeline Lappen, on Inflight Operations; Training and Capability Development Manager of SriLankan Engineering, Amila Fernando, on Engineering; and Airport Service Manager – Training & Development, Thereka Thilakawardena, on Ground Handling.
Day two commenced with a session on Safety and Crisis Management by Flight Safety Manager, Capt. Shavantha Pedris, and Crisis Management Manager, Prasadini Perera. Manager People Engagement and HR Support Services, Niroshan Ranawake, and Marketing & Business Development Manager, Jayani Senanayake, and Deputy General Manager, Kalinga Hiranya, of the SriLankan Aviation College also spoke on their areas of work. The in-class sessions rounded off with presentations by Deputy Director General (Air Transport & Security Regulation) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Rayhan Wanniappa, and Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), Dr. Sumith de Silva.
The programme laid bare the basics of an airline and the aviation industry, and journalists heard it first-hand from the very experts that run things behind the scenes. For a pioneering effort, the workshop turned out to be a runway success with the participants commenting on how insightful the experience was.
SriLankan Airlines’ first Aviation Workshop for Journalists did not go without a tour of SriLankan’s 747 aircraft hangar, which also turned out to be a first for some of the participants, who enthusiastically snapped up photos. The day wrapped up with a closing session and all the journalists were awarded certificates of participation.
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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