Business
MMCA Sri Lanka launches ‘Second Volume’
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) announces the launch of its first research publication ‘Second Volume: The Watapuluwa Housing Scheme by Minnette De Silva’. Edited by Sharmini Pereira and Kaumadi Jayaweera, the publication explores the groundbreaking work of architect Minnette De Silva (1918–1998) within the context of the Watapuluwa Housing Scheme, Kandy (1958).
‘Second Volume’ accompanies the MMCA Sri Lanka’s current exhibition ‘88 Acres: The Watapuluwa Housing Scheme by Minnette De Silva’, offering readers unparalleled access to primary research and previously unpublished archival materials. Among the highlights of this publication is a transcript of the animated documentary ‘is this an architectural documentary?’ (2023) by contemporary artists Irushi Tennekoon, Sumedha Kelegama, and Sumudu Athukorala, which provides valuable insights into De Silva’s visionary approach.
The publication is priced at LKR 15,000 and features a specially commissioned essay by Pereira. It is complemented by measured drawings of De Silva’s five house typologies for the Watapuluwa Housing Scheme, skillfully crafted by architects Kelegama and Athukorala. A special supplement of De Silva’s seminal essay ‘Experiments in Modern Regional Architecture in Ceylon 1950 to 1960’ (1965–1966) adds depth and historical context to this research endeavour.
In line with De Silva’s ethos of sustainability and local engagement, ‘Second Volume’ is printed on locally available paper stock, minimising environmental impact and honouring her legacy of resourcefulness. Additionally, the publication extends De Silva’s archival efforts by following her posthumously published autobiography ‘The Life and Work of an Asian Woman Architect Vol. 1’ (1998). Along with the book, the MMCA Sri Lanka has created notebooks from the paper off-cuts of the book-printing process, which come in three different paper qualities—uncoated art paper, offset paper, and coated art paper—sold in a set of three at LKR 2,000 or as a single notebook at LKR 800.
Designed by Bangalore-based Nia Thandapani and printed by Gunaratne Offset Ltd. in Sri Lanka, ‘Second Volume’ exemplifies MMCA Sri Lanka’s commitment to education and cultural preservation. Proceeds from the sale of the publication and associated notebooks will support ongoing research on De Silva’s work, and public programming at the MMCA Sri Lanka. ‘Second Volume: The Watapuluwa Housing Scheme by Minnette De Silva’ is now available for purchase at the MMCA Sri Lanka, and through their Facebook at facebook.com/mmcasrilanka and Instagram at instagram.com/mmcasrilanka/.
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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