Business
Growth achieved through right partnerships will help us outperform regional port competition: SAGT
by Sanath Nanayakkare
We have reached the end of another year, which I believe, was the most difficult year in our recent history. All of us had very high hopes and expectations when we started the year with strong belief that the country will prosper in all spheres. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has shattered almost all our dreams. We must appreciate the efforts of the health and security officials very much. Our economy is very badly affected. Only few sectors have been able to minimize the impact. Port is one of those sectors, which performed relatively well, despite facing many unprecedented challenges, Upul Jinadasa General Manager – Operations SAGT told The Island Financial Review yesterday.
Further speaking he said: “I am seeing the Covid-19 pandemic as a very dark cloud but with a silver lining. In terms of personal behaviors, it forced us to be disciplined, take health seriously, change unhealthy habits, be conscious about others and think afresh. It has also created lots of opportunities within and outside our traditional boundaries. It forced us to revise current practices to avoid physical contact. This helped us maximize efficiencies while realizing our potential in some key areas in the Port. As a result, some activities, which we tried hard over many years before, was digitalized overnight. Digitalization is expected to thrive and will create many opportunities for our youth. Why not capitalize on it and transform our country to a much smarter place for doing business?”
“At present we are observing a boom in global container shipping industry. Major shipping lines are very keen in doing business with the Colombo Port. We must act wisely and make strategic, factual decisions fast to create Port capacity, enhance related services and position ourselves as the finest Hub Port in the region. Need to establish partnerships with most suitable and strategic global entities for mutual benefit. Growth achieved through right partnerships will help us outperform regional port competition, create more value additions to the local trade and employment opportunities for our youth”.
“I am of the view that as a country, we should not be scared to take the lead wherever it makes sense. Don’t wait till others to act and reap benefits before us. We must dream high and work towards making those dreams a reality. We have done it before. We can do it again”, Jinadasa said.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
