Business
‘Dialog Digital Vesak Kalapaya’ recognised at e-Swabhimani Awards 2020
Dialog Nethrabhiwandana ‘Digital Vesak Kalapaya 2020’, a web platform designed by Dialog Axiata PLC, to provide an interactive and immersive experience for Buddhist devotees island-wide was adjudged by the grand jury as the winner of the ‘Culture and Tourism’ category at the 10th e-Swabhimani Digital Social Impact Awards 2020.
As the country went into lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many lay forlorn at the thought of not being able to celebrate one of the country’s most sacred festivals – Vesak. In response to this, the company launched ‘Dialog Digital Vesak Kalapaya 2020’ enabling Sri Lankans across the country with an engaging experience to celebrate Vesak via a web platform from the comfort and safety of their homes. With the sole purpose of uplifting Sri Lanka’s spirit during these turbulent times, ‘Dialog Digital Vesak Kalapaya 2020’ came equipped with interactive elements including; virtual experience of the country’s most famous Vesak pandols & lanterns in 3D, a digital Vesak lantern competition, “Vesak Pethum” (e-cards with Vesak wishes which users can share with their loved ones), a live stream link to “Siri Dalada Waruna” hosted on the YouTube channel of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic), “Sadaham Sithuwili” (videos of priests reciting the Dhammapadaya Gatha along with its meaning) and virtual “Bhakthi Gee” performances along with an offer of Free Data for Dialog customers.
Speaking on this milestone moment, Amali Nanayakkara, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC stated “We are honoured to be adjudged the winners of the Culture and Tourism category at the e-Swabhimani Digital Social Impact Awards. We are humbled by this esteemed recognition of our efforts in providing interactive and inclusive platforms such as ‘Dialog Digital Vesak Kalapaya 2020’ to the public, thereby enriching Srilankan hearts & minds with easy accessibility to our deeply rooted religious customs amidst a country-wide lockdown along with a future-fit experience that reflects the transformative times of today”.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”