Business
Free rice for 2.7 million needy families
By Ifham Nizam
The Finance Ministry has allocated Rs. 20 billion to supply rice free to nearly 2.7 million needy families across the country. This commitment follows President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s pledge to provide 20kg of rice to low-income families in May and June.
According to a senior official at the Agriculture Ministry, concerted efforts were made in collaboration with small and medium-scale rice mill owners to ensure the necessary stock of rice. Initially, Rs. 10 billion was distributed among rice mill owners nationwide.
“The allocation of Rs. 10 billion was disbursed in portions ranging from Rs. 25 million to 50 million to facilitate the supply of paddy stocks,” the ministry official elaborated. However, it was emphasized that the Finance Ministry is directly managing this initiative under the directives of the Presidential Secretariat.
President Wickremesinghe inaugurated the National Rice Distribution for low-income families at Ambagasdowa Stadium, Uva Paranagama, on Sunday.
Wickremesinghe said that 2.74 million low-income families would receive a monthly allocation of 10 kilograms of rice for two months. Specifically, 191,548 eligible families in 15 Divisional Secretariat Divisions within the Badulla district were identified to receive this subsidy. The President symbolically distributed bags of rice to 25 beneficiaries, marking the commencement of the rice allocation.
The distribution of rice to selected beneficiaries is ongoing under the supervision of Divisional Secretaries nationwide. Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of equitable economic development and collaboration among political parties, emphasizing the diverse initiatives of the current government.
Furthermore, he instructed that paddy should be purchased, milled, and the rice distributed among low-income earners through a transparent mechanism.
A senior official disclosed that initially, it was planned to allocate Rs. 10,000 million to purchase 61,600 metric tons of paddy under the program, providing 2 million low-income families with 10 kg of rice each per month over two months, free of charge.
However, it was revealed during discussions that 2.85 million families are identified as needing this assistance.
Wickremesinghe reiterated: “The government is committed to purchasing rice worth Rs. 20 billion to distribute to 2,850,000 low-income families as part of its food security program.” He assured that the government would safeguard rice prices by providing a guaranteed price and delegated the task of purchasing paddy stocks to District and Divisional Secretaries. Additionally, he emphasized that rice would not be sold, and a dedicated team would oversee the program’s implementation.
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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