Business
Hemas Outreach Foundation and Ayati together launch ‘Eka Se Salakamu’
Hemas Outreach Foundation, together with AYATI – Sri Lanka’s first national centre for children with disabilities – launched ‘Eka Se Salakamu’ (Treat All Alike) to coincide with the World Down Syndrome Day celebrated on March 21. ‘Eka Se Salakamu’ is a social movement aimed towards empowering children and families with Down Syndrome, creating a platform to recognize their rights and promote inclusivity in today’s society.
There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding Down Syndrome in Sri Lanka which leads to marginalization and stigmatization of this community. The ‘Eka Se Salakamu’ movement, is rooted in the concept of building an inclusive world through ‘healthful living’ which promotes a society that leaves no child behind. This core purpose will champion the cause and assist in eradicating the stigma being faced by them on a regular basis.
Through this movement, families and children with Down Syndrome will have a platform and the opportunity to express their views and share their own experiences with the public. The platform will also help to highlight the skills of the children and showcase their talents. The public and influencers are invited to join the platform and assist the community to live a dignified life and eradicate stigma and myth related to Down Syndrome. The AYATI Speech & Language Therapeutic wing aspires to become comparable with the global best in class for children with Down Syndrome by enabling them to develop their latent talents and helping them to become productive members of society.
“AYATI Center was built in partnership with the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings, MAS Holdings, Roshan Wijerama Foundation, the Sri Lanka Army, Rotary and other donors to address a need in the country. When we initiated AYATI we had three objectives – to build the first national center of excellence, to eradicate stigma related to disabilities and to establish centers in rural Sri Lanka.
The “Eka Se Salakamu” movement is our effort to tackle stigma associated with Down Syndrome. Children with Down Syndrome are one of the most stigmatized groups in society. As a corporate that champions ‘healthful living’, we look forward to creating a more inclusive world by establishing a platform for families to air their views and get much-needed support from the community. Hemas Group has always worked towards the betterment of the lives of children with disabilities for over a decade through the Piyawara initiative. In 2006, a special school for children with disabilities was established in Hambantota. This was the initial stepping-stone for Hemas to support establishment of the AYATI national center. We also promote the employment of people who are intellectually impaired as we work towards providing them with a sense of renewed purpose through the prospect of employment,” said Shiromi Masakorala, Executive Director -Hemas Outreach Foundation / AYATI Trust Sri Lanka sharing her thoughts on the launch.
Consistent awareness is necessary to make a difference and change the mind-set within a community. The movement will, therefore, also pave way for the building of partnerships with key stakeholders. The project seeks to invite international experts to Sri Lanka through AYATI to collaborate and work with professional bodies in Sri Lanka. By getting the ‘Eka Se Salakamu’ movement off the ground, Hemas Outreach Foundation and AYATI would be leveraging on the wealth of knowledge and data that these institutes have gathered over the years through their work on children with disabilities.
Be a voice for this community: http://web.facebook.com/ekasesalakamu
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
