Business
Celebrating women and achieving an equal future in a pandemic world
Daraz, Sri Lanka’s largest online market place, has decided to hero the women of Sri Lanka, a little bit extra this Women’s Day. This International Women’s day, the world is embarking on a #ChoosetoChallenge campaign, aimed at inspiring a world that is more aware of the plight of women and therefore more inclined to change.
The International Women’s Day Missions for 2021 include celebrating women in tech and innovation, applauding equality for women in sport, educating women on health choice decisions, building inclusive workplaces so women can thrive, increasing visibility of women creatives and forging women’s empowerment worldwide.
As an online platform, Daraz has contributed greatly to celebrating women in tech and innovation. To further emphasize the contributions made by women, Daraz is creating a separate platform on the site on Women’s Day to uplift all women sellers. With over 800 women entrepreneurs selling more than 20,000 products ranging from electronics to groceries, clothes, fashion, accessories, cosmetics and toys, bags and a range of handmade products, Daraz is aiming at empowering the women of Sri Lanka. Over two million rupees’ worth of investment will be borne by Daraz and its women entrepreneurs on a free shipping promotion this Women’s Day.
By giving them a platform through which to showcase their innovation and creativity, Daraz is ensuring the increased visibility of Sri Lankan women’s creatives. By streamlining a platform to allow women to take the reins in their own lives, Daraz has shown their commitment to the welfare and development of opportunities for women, on a large scale. Speaking to Sheromi Priyadharshani, who after retirement from the army, was able to start focusing on her passion in making stuffed toys and handlooms, she said, “I am from a small town where there isn’t enough visibility for my products but thanks to Daraz, I am able to sell my products island-wide. I am thankful to Daraz for this opportunity.”
With specific focus on the mission of forging women’s empowerment, Daraz has already paved the way for numerous women, young and old who have utilized the online platform to sell their own products, passed down through generations or enable creative outlets for those no longer employed full-time. It is not an isolated incident designed specifically for Women’s Day. Daraz has facilitated the chance for numerous women across the country to make a name for themselves. By encouraging independence and self-sufficiency not only via their online marketplace but also through numerous educational and training schemes, Daraz aims at being a pillar of support to the women of Sri Lanka.
Nishadi Edirisinghe, the founder of Dreamy Collections adds, “I found out about Daraz when I was shopping online. Inspired by what I saw, I thought that I too could start my own business straight from the comfort of my own home. The online marketplace is increasingly more popular so after attending a workshop, I was able to set up my own business through Daraz. Any woman can easily set up their own business and sell via Daraz.”
Numerous other women sellers have been able to kick-start their careers from the comforts of their homes thanks to Daraz, who has encouraged them to take their futures into their own hands.
Conversing with Muditha Premarathne of Daraz, “We believe that women play an important role in the future of our country. Women sellers are important contributors to our platform and we would not be able to carry out our services successfully without them. By ensuring that our women sellers feel empowered and motivated to pursue their passions and dreams, we believe that we are contributing to the future of our country. These women deserve a spotlight on their efforts and by empowering them, we hope to encourage the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”
Daraz is more than just a one-stop shop. They are investors in the future of Sri Lanka and in the sustainability of women-led businesses, which they believe go hand-in-hand. By supporting self-sufficiency of women and providing training schemes to assist them as they navigate the online marketplace, they have chosen to challenge themselves and the rest of the country, to take note of and empower women.
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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