Business
Sustainable Development Council steps up efforts towards integrated SDG monitoring in Sri Lanka
The Sustainable Development Council (SDC) in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) conducted a two-day workshop for key government agencies on integrated monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sri Lanka on 08th and 09th May in Colombo.
In order to address a critical gap highlighted in Sri Lanka/s Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on SDG implementation in 2022, relating to monitoring and evaluation of Sri Lanka’s progress on SDGs, the SDC developed the National SDG Progress Dashboard as a first step towards comprehensive SDG progress monitoring and evaluation in Sri Lanka following a whole-of-government approach. The National SDG Progress Dashboard developed with technical support from ESCAP provides a snapshot of Sri Lanka’s progress towards achieving nationally recognized SDG targets.
The objectives of the two-day workshop held last week were to further enhance the use of data for effective monitoring of SDG implementation in Sri Lanka, including achieving increased ownership of the SDG national targets by the line ministries, and work towards an integrated approach in monitoring and evaluation of Sri Lanka’s SDG progress.
In welcoming the participants, Director General of SDC, Chamindry Saparamadu, highlighted that as the time to achieve the SDGs is running out, government institutions should focus on how accountability for the implementation of SDGs can be improved through robust monitoring and evaluation of SDG achievements.
Speaking during the Opening Session of the two-day workshop, the UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka, Marc- Andre Franche, emphasized that, monitoring progress towards the SDGs is a crucial part of the 2030 Agenda and the national SDG targets identified and validated by all line ministries will form the basis for future development planning.
Delivering the Key Note Remarks, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake observed that without timely statistics, including different levels of disaggregation, it is difficult to delve deeper into multifaceted and complex development challenges that are facing the society today. Dissanayake emphasized the importance of strengthening data and monitoring frameworks to improve decision-making, transparency and accountability as well as efficiency in directing policy interventions and investments towards where the needs are.
The workshop delved into understanding the flow of SDG data at global and national levels, the key components of effective SDG data coordination, regional experiences using SDG data for effective monitoring, selection of national SDG indicators and approaches towards integrated monitoring and evaluation. The workshop also featured a panel discussion with Mahinda Gunarathna, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anuradha Kumarasiri, Director General, National Planning Department, Ms. Anoja Senevirathne, Director General, Department of Census and Statistics, D.D.Matharachchi, Additional Secretary (Planning and Development), Ministry of Urban Development & Housing. The workshop concluded with the formulation of an Action Plan to develop an integrated monitoring and evaluation framework for the SDGs in Sri Lanka.
The participants of the workshop included SDG data focal points and SDG focal points appointed by the line Ministries and government institutions and relevant officers from the Sustainable Development Council, the Department of Census and Statistics and the National Planning Department.
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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