Business
Dilhan Fernando Appointed Adjunct Professor of Sustainability at Edith Cowan University’s School of Business and Law, Australia
The CEO and Chairperson of global tea brand Dilmah, Mr Dilhan C Fernando, has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor of Practice in Sustainability at Edith Cowan University’s (ECU’s) School of Business and Law (SBL).As Chairperson of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company plc., Dilmah Ceylon Cinnamon Company and Kahawatte Plantations plc., Mr Fernando strives to drive innovation, sustainability and fresh consumer perspectives of the uniqueness of Sri Lankan produce, an ECU news release said.
“As managing Trustee of the MJF Foundation and Director of Dilmah Conservation, his role extends to using a minimum of 15% of the pre-tax profits from Dilmah & MJF Group companies to benefit people and nature.
“Mr Fernando played a key role in establishing Dilmah Conservation in 2007 and building on its successes with the creation of Biodiversity Sri Lanka. This organisation, recognised as Sri Lanka’s leading body for biodiversity and conservation, includes over 80 major corporate members and government representatives.” it added.
ECU’s Executive Dean for the School of Business and Law Professor Maryam Omari said Mr Fernando’s appointment was an exciting opportunity for SBL students and the wider Perth community.
“We are deeply honoured to welcome Dilhan C. Fernando to our School. His profound commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability is truly inspiring. Having Dilhan share his expertise and philosophy with our students will not only enrich their educational experience but also prepare them to become leaders who prioritise integrity and social responsibility in their careers.”
“We are excited to work with Mr Fernando to inspire a brighter future where businesses are proactive in their societal impact and social responsibility,” Professor Omari said.
Mr Fernando’s appointment would see students benefit from public lectures by an industry leader with a proven track record of running a successful business that prioritises ethics, sustainability, and kindness over pure profit.
This hands-on experience will empower students to incorporate these values into their future careers, fostering a new generation of mindful and socially responsible business leaders, Professor Omari said.
In addition to guest lectures, Mr Fernando will assist with a case study led by ECU academics, examining how Dilmah integrates kindness and sustainability into its operations. This case study will provide valuable insights into the importance of prioritising societal impact alongside business success.
“My family and Australia have an enduring connection as Dilmah was birthed in Australia when – in 1985 – Australians accepted my father’s invitation to, ‘do try it!’. My honorary role at the ECU School of Business and Law allows me to share our very practical perspective and actions connected with the obligation of kindness in business,” Mr Fernando said.
“Amidst the polycrises we face today, there is no more urgent priority for businesses than to realign to deliver social and natural value, for their own survival as well as for the benefit of future generations.”
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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