Business
Proposed investment of up to LKR 3,270 million from IFC in Sunshine Healthcare Lanka
Sunshine Healthcare Lanka (SHL), the healthcare arm of the diversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings PLC (CSE: SUN), has entered into an agreement for a proposed equity investment of up to LKR 3,270 million by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Subject to satisfaction of conditions, IFC will own approximately 14.7% stake in SHL.
IFC investment fortifies Sunshine’s commitment to meet the growing healthcare needs of Sri Lanka and will bolster SHL’s implementation of significant capital projects to expand and enhance healthcare delivery nationwide. As part of this, SHL will invest significantly to increase the annual production of Lina Manufacturing, the pharmaceutical manufacturing segment, from 750,000 Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) to 3 million units and to expand DPI capsule manufacturing.
Additionally, investments will be made in the Medical Devices sector to boost diagnostic capabilities significantly, Pharmaceuticals Distribution for central logistics infrastructure development, and in Healthguard Pharmacy chain to expand its retail and online presence. These investments are further aimed at fulfilling the Group’s nation-building efforts and ensuring the resilience of Sri Lanka’s national healthcare systems.
“We are honored to partner with the International Finance Corporation. This investment underscores the confidence in Sunshine Holdings’ potential and strengthens our determination to enhance healthcare accessibility and innovation across Sri Lanka. With IFC’s support, we are poised to scale up SHL’s operations significantly, from expanding our manufacturing with Lina to enhancing our diagnostic capabilities, distribution network, and retail presence. Furthermore, this collaboration aligns with our vision of bringing good things to the lives of Sri Lankans,” commented Shyam Sathasivam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sunshine Holdings PLC.
IFC Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, Riccardo Puliti, said, “IFC’s investment in Sunshine Healthcare is geared towards localizing and creating sustainable supply chains across Sri Lanka. By investing in healthcare infrastructure and enhancing access to quality, innovative solutions, we can create a foundation for inclusive development.”
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”