Business
JAT hosts 3rd Pintharoo Abhiman convocation in continued drive to empower wood craftsmen
JAT Holdings PLC, the market leader for wood coatings and brushes in Sri Lanka, recently celebrated a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of the 3rd Convocation under its well-established and highly successful JAT Pintharoo Abhiman programme.
The convocation ceremony was held in grand style on the 18th of January 2024 at the JAT Holdings Auditorium in Thalawathugoda. During the event, the 3rd batch of skilled painters and carpenters, consisting of 132 individuals, received their internationally recognised National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) from the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA). Accordingly, since its inception, over 250 skilled wood craftsmen have now been facilitated by JAT Pintharoo Abhiman to receive NVQ Level 3 certification.
The Chief Guest at the event was none other than Manusha Nanayakkara, MP – Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, who graced the occasion with his valuable presence, highlighting the importance that JAT Holdings PLC places on uplifting the communities it serves.
Expressing his support for JAT Pintharoo Abhiman, Minister Nanayakkara said, “We are immensely pleased to see the outcome of this exceptional and unique programme aimed at furthering social protection, which is a key focus for the government as well. Understanding the need to enhance the dignity, safety and rights of skilled labour and ensure secure livelihoods and protection from exploitation, the government is also working towards introducing new laws to address these areas.”
Wasantha Gunaratne, Director of Sales and Technical at JAT Holdings PLC, also shared his thoughts saying, “We are very happy to have held the 3rd Convocation in this ongoing programme to upskill, certify and create new opportunities for Sri Lanka’s carpentry and painting sector. As the leader in wood coatings in Sri Lanka and an emerging leader in the region, initiatives like Pintharoo Abhiman provide them with recognition and professional training. Ultimately, we believe this will contribute towards the enrichment of their lives, while simultaneously helping to further elevate industry standards.”
JAT Pintharoo Abhiman, initiated in 2021, reflects JAT Holdings’ commitment to uplifting the wood coatings industry by providing recognition, financial stability, and professional training to painters and carpenters. This long-term initiative is designed to enhance industry standards and empower individual wood craftsmen who demonstrate exceptional skill but have not had the opportunity to pursue formal certification. This certification (NVQ Level 3) is provided through a fast-tracked programme conducted by JAT Holdings PLC, in partnership with NAITA.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”