Business
Nalanda Innovation Hub to catalyse entrepreneurship and sustainability in Ratnapura
The vibrant city of Ratnapura, renowned as the “City of Gems,” welcomes a new era of innovation and entrepreneurship with the grand opening of the Nalanda Innovation Hub on March 26, 2024. Nestled in the heart of Ratnapura, this hub is poised to become the nucleus of collaboration, creativity, and sustainable business practices in the region.
Visaka Ellawala – Founder
Founded by Visaka Ellawala, the Nalanda Innovation Hub pays homage to the late Member of Parliament Nalanda Ellawala, whose enduring legacy of public service and community development serves as an inspiration to the community. Speaking at the inauguration, Visaka Ellawala emphasized the hub’s mission to unlock the entrepreneurial spirit of Ratnapura and drive sustainable development in the gem-rich region.
“We believe that by providing a platform for collaboration and innovation, we can unlock the entrepreneurial spirit of Ratnapura and drive sustainable development in the gem-rich region,” remarked Visaka Ellawala, Founder of Nalanda Innovation Hub.
The hub’s cutting-edge facilities, including meeting rooms, an open theatre, and coffee shops, provide a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and changemakers to converge, exchange ideas, and bring innovative projects to fruition.
Partnering with esteemed organizations like Good Market and TRACE, the Nalanda Innovation Hub reinforces its commitment to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and sustainable practices in Ratnapura.
“We are thrilled to extend the Good Market experience to Ratnapura through our collaboration with the Nalanda Innovation Hub. By empowering local entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable practices, we aim to create positive impact and foster inclusive economic growth in the gem-rich region,” stated Achala Samaradivakara, Co-founder of Good Market.
Similarly, TRACE (Technologically Re-Awakening Culture of Excellence) aligns with the Nalanda Innovation Hub to promote excellence through technology and innovation. With a focus on mentorship, guidance, and fostering innovation among youth, TRACE seeks to propel Ratnapura onto the global stage and contribute to its holistic development.
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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