Business
Transformative role of women during COVID-19 and beyond: Challenges & opportunities
Juggling roles – part of the ‘new normal’ for women
An online panel discussion to mark the UN-declared 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on December 9, 03:30-05:00 p.m. To register visit: call 0772622110 or visit https://forms.gle/FgM w5KcGCAbKiGyS7
USAID Social Cohesion and Reconciliation (SCORE) Activity, implemented through global communities, is pleased to announce a panel discussion held in response to the challenges and opportunities for women with the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic to mark the UN declared campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
As it has been noted in Sri Lanka, measures against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has made society retreat inside homes and this phenomena together with the economic upheaval has exacerbated dire realities and challenges for women. Moving forward, we aim to orient a fresh perspective and approach in navigating the ‘new normal’, for women and girls.
To benefit them, this forum will feature an online discussion of the panelists, projected to both a local and global audience, via Microsoft Teams. The panel discussion will cast live on pertinent and relevant topics of interest:
1. Gender equality and leadership in response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic – how women can adapt to the ‘new normal’ and addressing the overall implications of the pandemic, its effect on the lives and livelihoods of women and girls, as well as post COVID livelihood opportunities
2. Implications of lockdowns and curfews – vulnerabilities of women and girls to gender-based violence, how to engage and educate men to eliminate violence
3. Ensuring a holistic approach to foster the wellbeing of women and girls
4. The language to adopt when speaking about women and girls within the Sri Lankan economy, and especially in light of COVID-19
The panelists are Pubudu De Zoysa – District Governor – 2022-23 for Sri Lanka & Maldives, Rotary International District 3220, Rehaan Wijeratne Jayawickreme – chairman of the Weligama Urban Council, Rebecca Surenthiraraj – Senior Researcher, Social Scientists Association (SSA), and Shyamala Gomez – Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Equality and Justice (CEJ). The discussion will be moderated by SCORE Senior Technical Specialist Dr. Dayani Panagoda.
In addition, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Justice Ali Sabri, Foreign Secretary Prof. Jayanath Colombage and Member in Arab Group of Good Governance Dr. Aref Abdulrazaq Ahmed will participate as guest speakers.
The topics of discussion are key concerns of the SCORE activity as it aims to increase opportunities for youth and women to exercise leadership and agency to shape the outcomes of their lives, through participatory planning.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
