Business
Sri Lanka unveils national strategy for Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses to achieve Sustainable Development Goals
The Strategy to Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Business to achieve the SDGs (ISB Strategy) was jointly launched by the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene and the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) s Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana , at a ceremony held at the Temple Trees on Wednesday 31st January in the presence of Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, business and industry leaders, representatives of international development agencies and renowned sustainability professionals.
The Strategy developed under the leadership of Sri Lanka’s Sustainable Development Council with technical support of ESCAP, establishes a comprehensive framework for businesses to flourish while driving positive social and environmental change and strengthens Sri Lanka’s journey towards a future interwoven with inclusive prosperity and environmental responsibility.
Recognising the pivotal role businesses play in attaining the SDGs, the Strategy aligns seamlessly with the government’s commitment to a private sector-led, inclusive, and sustainable economic transformation. It defines Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses (ISBs) as purpose-driven enterprises that harness market forces to address crucial social and environmental challenges, generating tangible impact beyond mere profitability. It provides opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of government actions to support ISB development in Sri Lanka.
Actions under the Strategy cover five core areas:
Setting the direction for Sri Lanka to become an inclusive and sustainable export and investment hub;
Raising awareness on the economic and social value that impact businesses bring and recognizing local success stories, through award and formal accreditation;
Building the capacities of businesses and governments to develop and to promote inclusive and sustainable businesses;
Supporting impact measuring and reporting; and
Enhancing access to finance for impact businesses
A number of governments in the Asia Pacific region are putting in place strategies to promote inclusive businesses. For example, ASEAN member states adopted in 2017 the ASEAN Inclusive Business Framework and in 2020 adopted the Guidelines for Promoting Inclusive Businesses in ASEAN. Countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are taking various initiatives in support of ISB promotion and development. With the formulation of the ISB Strategy, Sri Lanka becomes the first country in South Asia to establish a robust framework for development of ISBs.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industries and Health Dr. Ramesh Pathirana highlighted that ‘Sri Lanka’s younger generation is ready to move ahead with entrepreneurial development and the new ISB Strategy will help them to enter new global markets’. Meanwhile, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana stated that ‘Inclusive and sustainable businesses are more important than ever. They are different from business-as-usual as they put people and planet alongside profit and are therefore a critical accelerator if we are to get back on track with the Sustainable Development Goals”.
Delivering a message on behalf of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Climate Change, Ruwan Wijewardene highlighted that ‘The strategy equips the private sector with the tools and resources to compete globally, not just on price but on value and that Sri Lanka can become South Asia’s green hub, attracting investment, creating jobs, and leading in sustainable development’.
Underscoring the significance of this initiative, Prime Minister Gunawardena emphasized that “the strategy transcends mere economic growth. It is a blueprint for building a Sri Lanka where all can prosper, and sustainability becomes a legacy for future generations.”
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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