Business
New laws in offing to benefit Sri Lanka’s student population – Education Minister
By Ifham Nizam
Plans are underway to introduce new laws for the benefit of the 4.3 million student population of Sri Lanka, Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayanthsa said.
Speaking at the “Uplifting Education through Sustainable Mobility” program launched by Hutch Sri Lanka at the Taj Samudra Hotel recently Premajayantha stressed that the country is in a transformation process in education.
Premajayantha added: ‘Even in Britain one cannot find age old laws in the education system. It is high time to transform education in the country. There would be pilot projects shortly covering 17 schools.
‘The government is aiming to link 1250 cluster schools countrywide within two years. Within 10 to 15 kilometres there would be a school with all the facilities.
‘Sri Lanka is successful in achieving IMF targets and would start re-paying loans in 2027.’
Hutch aims to donate 130 e-bikes to teachers in rural schools in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
Premajayantha further explained: ‘This generous contribution of 130 electric bicycles to our rural schools, with further prospects for additional units, helps to further our shared vision for a sustainable future through a functional, adaptable and sound education system.
‘As we aim to integrate sustainability into the fabric of our educational system, partnerships like this one underscore the pivotal role of corporate entities in fostering community development and educational empowerment.
‘I commend HUTCH for their unwavering commitment and look forward to more collaborative efforts that advance our national educational goals with a focus on sustainable solutions.
‘Today the government with its focused program to rebuild the country has accumulated foreign reserves of nearly USD 5 billion.
‘With the increase in tourist arrivals and the foreign exchange coming from remittances and increased FDIs, Sri Lanka would be able to further increase reserves.
‘With these foreign currency inflows, the Central Bank will be in a stronger position to release exchange for debt servicing by 2027.
‘All import restrictions sans motor vehicles have now been lifted while the country’s economic ratings too have increased.’
The e-bikes were officially handed over at a ceremony, with Education Minister Dr Susil Premajayantha present as the Chief Guest. Among the other guests were, chairman, Dr Dharmasri Kumaratunge and Director General Madhushanka Dissanayake of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). Representing HUTCH were the Director of Hutchison Asia Telecommunications (HAT), Ms Anne Chen, who made a special visit to the island for the occasion and the CEO of Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (HUTCH Sri Lanka) Saumitra Gupta.
Speaking at the event Saumitra Gupta said: ‘At HUTCH, we’re dedicated to sustainable practices, community upliftment and advancing technology. This project signifies our commitment to benefit the wider community, particularly in education. It’s just the beginning, we’re gearing up for more contributions to sustainable mobility. With initiatives like this, we strive for lasting impact, promoting inclusivity and sustainability.’
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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