Business
Kala Pola 2024 – A spectacular celebration of Sri Lankan visual art
Kala Pola 2024 – Sri Lanka’s Annual Open Air Art Fair – held on February 18th along Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7 brought success for both artists and visitors alike, generating estimated sales of approximately Rs. 51 million, excluding commissioned artwork.
Commemorating its 31st year, Kala Pola is Sri Lanka’s largest and longest-running platform for artists and sculptors to showcase their talent and connect with buyers, industry professionals, and the artist community. A long-term collaboration of the George Keyt Foundation and John Keells Group, the event drew a tremendous response, attracting 368 artists and an estimated 38,000 visitors (including both footfall and vehicular presence in the event area).
The official ceremony was graced by Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, as the chief guest along with Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the George Keyt Foundation (GKF), accompanied by the trustees of GKF and Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, along with members of the senior management of the Group.
In his welcome address at the official ceremony, Malaka Talwatte, GKF’s Chairperson, said, “We have had a great turnout today. We strongly believe that art is for everyone and that every artist should have the opportunity to showcase their work. That is what Kala Pola is about. This platform has had phenomenal growth over the years, mainly because of the support of our Partner, the John Keells Group. They have been instrumental in scaling this up to what you see today. From 30 artists in 1993, today we have over 350 artists showing their work.”
In his address, Santosh Jha noted, “This effort is significant because it is bringing art out of the galleries to the community. The fair format you have and its uncurated exhibition blends a naturalness and spontaneity, which should be characteristic of the art forms. Art is not just for indulgence, it’s much more. It can be a catalyst for social dialogue, a provocation for change, a challenge to the stereotype, and a canvas for new ideas.” He went on to commend GKF and the John Keells Group for their continued partnership which has driven the growth of Kala Pola.
Commenting on the event and the focus on arts and culture by the John Keells Group, Carmeline Jayasuriya, the Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, said “We are delighted with the success of Kala Pola 2024. While we have undertaken many diverse initiatives under the Arts & Culture pillar, Kala Pola remains a unique and fundamental aspect of our roadmap aimed at boosting artists’ livelihoods, safeguarding and promoting Sri Lankan arts and culture, and catalysing social cohesion and wellbeing through artistic and creative expression. We are excited about the potential of these endeavours in contributing to the growth of creative economies.”
Swarna Abeytunge, an artist who showcased her work at Kala Pola 2024 said, ‘Hats off to the organisers of Kala Pola for organising this event very methodically without any chaos! This is the only platform in Sri Lanka which gives the equal opportunity to all the artists without any discrimination. This was my first time at Kala Pola as an artist and I am glad that it ended successfully.”
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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