Business
British Council launches Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Initiatives in Businesses project in Sri Lanka
Youth-led businesses can be a vital catalyst for change, sparking multiple positive ripple effects. This month, the British Council Sri Lanka launched a new project, ‘Youth-Led Green and Inclusive Initiatives in Businesses’, to harness the enthusiasm and energy of young business leaders and spearhead green and inclusive transitions in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka.
The project aims to provide knowledge, skills, resources, and networks to young entrepreneurs to help transform their existing businesses into inclusive and sustainable businesses. A systemic commitment to sustainability and inclusiveness can build customer loyalty, attract better talent, yield more investments, boost stakeholder engagement, build a stronger sense of belonging amidst a team, and improve innovation and efficacy for businesses. The timely project attempts to demystify green and inclusive initiatives, demonstrating how SMEs and young entrepreneurs can create progressive ecological, economical, and societal impact through their organizations.
30 young entrepreneurs were selected through an open call for applications. Entrepreneurs were chosen based on their existing knowledge, commitment towards sustainability and future plans. The selected youth represent varied sectors such as agriculture, food processing, tourism, and retail trade.
The project is delivered in partnership with the Green Movement of Sri Lanka and Lanka Social Ventures. Further, the Export Development Board, National Innovation Agency, Earth Dreams International, Thuru, Zero Trash and Centre for Living Sustainability at University of Highlands and Islands in Scotland will collaborate as eco-system partners.
“Through this project, we pledge to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to transform your entrepreneurial visions into greater achievements. Together, we will explore innovative ways to incorporate green and inclusive practices, ensuring that your businesses not only flourish economically but also leave a positive impact on the environment and the wider society,” noted Sanjeevani Munasinghe – Head of Programmes, British Council in her welcome address.
“This will not be just another project with a series of activities. It will be a commitment of young people to be change makers in their enterprises and be role models for making businesses greener and inclusive,” said Chameera Wickramasinghe – Programme Manager-Non-formal Education at British Council, emphasizing how young people have a vital role to plan in the business sphere.
Manique Gunaratne (Manager, Specialised Training and Disability Resource Centre – The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon) was the guest of honour and highlighted the importance of inclusivity in business organisations, especially disability inclusion. Heminda Jayaweera delivered the keynote speech, on the topic ‘Sustainability Mindset’.
The launch was held at Courtyard by Marriott, with the participation of distinguished guests from state organisations, non-government organisations and the private sector. Several young entrepreneurs who were selected to be a part of the project were also present.
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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