Business
ACL Cables creates history as first local company to receive SLS 1504 -3-31 standard compliance for fire rate cables
Creating history and proving its dominance in the cable industry once again, ACL Cables PLC announced it had been awarded the SLS 1504-3-31 accreditation certification for its Low smoke Halogen Free (LSHF) non-sheathed cables by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) recently.
SLSI is the highest local authority that awards quality standardizations for products sold locally. Upon complying with the requisite standards ACL Cables PLC has become the first company in the country to obtain this certification.
Moreover, ACL Cables is currently the only company that manufactures LSHF cables locally. The certification was awarded for cables with voltage up to 450/750 volts.
The official title of the standard is known as ‘Low voltage single core non – sheathed halogen free low emission of smoke thermoplastic insulated special fire performance electric cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750V’. The equivalent British Standard (BS) for the above local certification is BS EN 50525-3-31.
The certification was handed over by Ms. Dhammika Senaratne, Director General of SLSI to Suren Madanayake, Managing Director ACL Cables PLC at the presence of delegates from both SLSI and ACL cables.
Notably, there are two cable categories that fall under SLS 1504-3-31. These are – 1. Non flexible cables for fixed wiring, specified conductor cross sectional area range is starting from 1.5mm² and up to 630mm² and 2. Flexible cables for fixed wiring, specified conductor cross sectional area range is starting from 1.5mm² and up to 240mm².
In order to receive this standard ACL Cables was required to complete the following three quality tests: Fire propagation test on vertical bunched cables in accordance with BSEN 60332-3-24, low emission of smoke test in accordance with BSEN 61034-2 and assessment of halogen gases (acid gas) for all non-metallic materials in accordance with BSEN 60754-1.
Based on the process, ACL had to initially study and follow the respective BS that complies with the above criteria. Following which presentations were made to the SLSI, who then awarded the equivalent Product Quality Certification as per local regulations and standards.
The tests were conducted at ACL in-house laboratories located at their factory premises under the supervision of the SLS audit committee. Moreover, ACL Cables PLC is the only company in Sri Lanka that has a comprehensive lab facility for testing the above test parameters.
Commenting on this landmark award, Suren Madanayake, Managing Director said, “I am very proud that ACL Cables has achieved this prestigious local status. We have once again demonstrated to the market our quality and dominance. I appreciate the effort of my technical and quality assurance teams for their untiring efforts to ensure this Product Quality Certification process was a success.”
Madanayake added, “Since our inception in 1962, ACL Cables has always been the trendsetter in introducing new products and receiving proper certification. This is one such milestone. Our next step is to develop our scope and gain the certification for 600,000V LSHF power cables. I am confident that this too would be achieved shortly. Currently we are processing a considerable number of orders for LSHF cables and this is the main reason to push ourselves towards gaining this certification. The certification enables customers to have more confidence when they purchase LSHF cables from us. I am convinced that as the recipient of the SLS 1504-3-31 standard, we will be able to grow our market share further with this product and strengthen our top and bottom lines.”
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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