Business
Work order to double paddy yield over six growing seasons
By Ifham Nizam
Following a request made by World Bank officials, Department of Agriculture, Director General Ms. Malathi Parasuraman has submitted a work order, prepared by the Department of Agriculture, to double the paddy yield in the country within six growing seasons.
Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that the World Bank has given the green light to assist in achieving President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s goal of doubling the paddy yield countrywide.
A discussion was held at the Ministry of Agriculture recently about enlisting support for many agricultural projects to be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries.
The discussion was chaired by Minister Amaraweera and attended by representatives of the World Bank, Ms. Dina Umali-Deininger, (Regional Director of sustainable development), Ms. Gayathri Acharya, (Practice Manager, Agriculture and Food), John Keyzer, (Senior Special Economist), Ms. Anna O’Donnell (Lead Social Development Specialist), Ipec Alkan, (Operation Adviser) and Atula Senaratne, Senior Agricultural Economist. Manoharan, Senior Advisor and Ministry Secretary Janaka Dharmakeerthi also participated in the discussion.
Using drone technology, fencing with electric circuits to prevent crop damage, providing parachute discs, improving the dairy industry, were some of the topics discussed.
The meeting also focusing on obtaining financial allocations for these areas, especially under World Bank loan assistance.
Amaraweera said that President Wickremesinghe had instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to set up a work order to double the paddy yield in Sri Lanka within the next six cropping seasons and that the necessary new technology for rice cultivation should be provided.
The delegation spelt out that this work arrangement should be implemented with the aim of making the country self-sufficient in rice as well as vibrant in paddy exports and that the World Bank is ready to provide the necessary support for these efforts.
The representatives also pointed out that the work order presented by the Department of Agriculture should be presented to them immediately.
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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