Business
Pearson unveils PTE Core English exam suite and recognizes its key agents
In the wake of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, hundreds of thousands of mostly young people are looking to migrate for employment, and seeking better opportunities abroad. By the end of 2022, over 300,000 people had left the country, many of them professionals. These individuals are looking for greener pastures and a way to support their families. Meanwhile, a key obstacle facing potential migrants is English language proficiency assessment, which is a key requirement for migration to popular destinations such as Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries. Against this backdrop, Pearon’s PTE suit of English exams is helping to facilitate these young people as they seek to achieve their dreams on foreign shores. In fact, during 2023, over 3200 applications were made by Sri Lankans seeking Permant Residency status in Canada, with 84% receiving approval, highlighting the promising prospects for aspiring Sri Lankans.
Accordingly, Pearson, the global giant in educational services, recently hosted a special event to mark the launch of PTE Core to Sri Lanka, marking an important milestone for English language proficiency assessment in Sri Lanka. PTE Core is the latest addition to the Pearson Test of English (PTE) suite of exams, which opens doors for foreign study, employment and migration opportunities, particularly to Canada. Alongside the launch, a partner meet was also held for Pearson’s key agents and partners in Sri Lanka. During the event, which was held at Shangrila Colombo, officials from Pearson South Asia took the opportunity to highlight the valuable contributions of its Sri Lankan agents and celebrate their achievements.
A number of distinguished dignitaries and key stakeholders were present at the event, including the Counselor – Political and Trade – Canadian High Commission, Daneil Bood, and Ms. Premila Paulraj, Director of Employability and Qualifications at Pearson South Asia. Their participation served to highlight the potential of PTE Core in facilitating language proficiency to better harness opportunities for work and migration to Canada.
The event put the spotlight on the versatility and reliability of PTE Core, emphasizing its acceptance by the Canadian border agency. With its convenient format, fast results, and enhanced security, PTE Core is an ideal choice for individuals in Sri Lanka aspiring to work, or migrate to Canada. Pearson Test of English (PTE) scores open doors to 3,000+ universities, colleges, and professional bodies globally, and is also approved for all UK, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand visa and immigration categories. Furthermore, PTE’s endorsement by prestigious universities and institutions, including Oxford University, Harvard Business School, and Macquarie University, underscores its credibility and global recognition.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
