Business
Despite its negative impact on migratory birds, environmentalists say ‘Yes’ to wind power- Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda
By Ifham Nizam
Environmentalists are opposing hydro power but not wind power, despite the latter having a negative impact on migratory birds, biodiversity authority Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda said.
Speaking at the Eighth Wildlanka Symposium recently at the Water’s Edge, Battaramulla on the topic, `Ethical Dilemmas in Biodiversity Policy’, Pethiyagoda said that the Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Plant Project was opposed for 20 years but was later implemented by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at double the cost.
Pethiyagoda added: ‘The-50 acre project has had no detrimental effect on the environment to date.
‘It is of concern that Sri Lanka has 4,500 km electric fences that are enough to cover the coastline three and a half times over.
‘Going by the current rate of elephant deaths, since the census of 2011, some 6,000 elephants have been killed.
‘More than 300 people die due to snake bites annually and some 150 people die due to elephant attacks, yet the latter deaths get vast attention.’
Wildlife Department, Director Operations, M.S.L.R.P. Marasinghe, said that wildlife conservation and biodiversity conservation are not merely about relocating elephants from human habitats or dealing with urban snake encounters.
Marasinghe added: ‘It’s a scientific journey towards sustainability; one that recognizes its anthropocentric nature and aims at inter-generational and intra-generational equity.
“In the current discourse on conservation, there is often a call for zero consumption. However, we understand that reaching zero consumption is an ideal that remains distant from reality. The true challenge lies in striking a balance between consumption and conservation that can sustain all aspects of the environment for years to come. Conservation, therefore, is a science-based journey towards sustainability that includes not only protection but also the wise use of our resources.
‘The blame for biodiversity depletion cannot solely be assigned to rural communities who may resort to poaching as a means of redistribution for economic losses. It extends to farmers encroaching on habitats for crop cultivation. It is disheartening to note that some conservation advocates and activists demand harsh penalties, including death sentences, for poaching. Such punitive approaches are rooted in the idea of deterrence, but the modern approach is driven by knowledge acting as a deterrent.
‘It’s worth noting that demand drives both encroachment and poaching. This demand arises from individuals who advocate conservation publicly, while simultaneously engaging in resource-intensive lifestyles. We find ourselves in the midst of a struggle against individuals who, behind the scenes, seek to subvert our conservation policies for personal gain. It is regrettable that some prominent activists rally with them in secret.
‘In a world where insatiable needs prevail, science must take the lead in finding conservation-friendly technologies that can satisfy these demands. The role of the Department of Wildlife Conservation extends beyond handling elephants and snakes. It also encompasses conservation education and the promotion of scientific knowledge enhancement.’
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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