Business
Hunas Holdings’ ties with visionary hotelier Adrian Zecha and Sophia Holdings
Hunas Holdings PLC, a diversified conglomerate with interests in hospitality, tourism, real estate, renewable energy, tea plantations, factories, and broking, has entered into a game-changing strategic partnership. The partnership ushered in a landmark achievement for Hunas Holdings PLC and Sri Lanka, earning it a distinguished mention on the renowned Tokyo Stock Exchange, thanks to its collaboration with visionary hotelier Adrian Zecha and the Japanese listed entity, Sophia Holdings Co. Ltd.
Sophia Holdings is a subsidiary of the billion-dollar conglomerate E-BOND Group, a diversified powerhouse excelling in the fields of dispensing pharmacies and other sectors including IT, logistics, consultancy, and HR management. Through this partnership, the E-BOND Group are marking their entry into the hospitality sector.
The partnership, cemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signifies a turning point in the Sri Lankan corporate landscape, promising numerous exciting developments ahead. This alliance brings together the visionary leadership of Zecha, the strategic insights of Sophia Holdings Co. Ltd (E-BOND Group), and the local expertise of Hunas Holdings PLC, the company behind the world famous Hunas Falls Hotel, amongst many other iconic properties.
Dhanuka Samarasinghe, Chairman of Hunas Holdings PLC commented saying, “This partnership aligns perfectly with our corporate strategy, which is focused on long-term growth and creating sustainable value for our shareholders. We are confident that the synergy between Mr. Zecha, Sophia Holdings, fortified by the support of E-BOND Group, and Hunas Holdings will be a catalyst for transformative change within the leisure sector of the Group and will have a positive ripple effect on the Sri Lankan economy, and the tourism sector in particular.
He continued, “With this alliance, we foresee a robust influx of Foreign Direct Investment into the country. We look forward to creating transcendent experiences that are unmatched anywhere in the world, guided by Mr. Zecha’s mastery in high-end luxury hospitality and our commitment to exceptional and unforgettable luxury leisure experiences. Together, our goal is to create distinctive hospitality offerings that weave the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka’s journey, ensuring each project encapsulates the diverse and authentic experiences our island has to offer.”
Adrian Zecha is a hospitality icon with over five decades of extraordinary achievements under his belt. He is revered as the pioneer of luxury boutique experiences and villas that span the globe. Over the years, his genius has given rise to international hotel chains such as Beaufort, Raphael, Azotels, GHM, and the distinctive Aman Resorts. Among these, four properties, including Aman’s Amangalle, were highlighted in the list of the Top 50 hotels in the world for 2023.
Through this landmark collaboration, Hunas Holdings PLC and its partners aim to build a portfolio of luxury iconic properties that echo the diverse experiences of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, Hunas Holdings PLC and its partners aspire to emerge as the preferred choice for discerning travellers, while simultaneously presenting a valuable proposition for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Sri Lanka’s tourism and related sectors. Accordingly, this milestone aligns perfectly with Hunas Holdings PLC’s long-standing commitment to sustainable growth, ethical tourism and broad-based value creation.
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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