Business
Dialog Axiata Group first Quad Play Telco in South Asia to receive ISO 14001:2015 certification
Reiterating its commitment to social, environmental and economic sustainability, Dialog Axiata PLC’s Environmental Management System was certified for the globally recognized ISO 14001:2015 standard for its full scope of operations, becoming the first Quad-play Telco (Mobile, Fixed, Media and Broadband) in South Asia to do so. The ISO 14001 standard is a voluntary international certification afforded to companies with meaningful environmental policies that create and maintain an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) across their organizations. It is reviewed and audited annually to retain a rigorous focus on the topic. Like other ISO standards, this standard is reviewed and updated periodically by an international panel of experts.
Sustainability is an integral element in Dialog’s corporate ethos. Over the years, reflecting the profound impression that the Dialog brand has made in the hearts and minds of Sri Lankans, the ‘Most Loved Telecommunication Brand’ maximised value creation across its businesses by mitigating or eliminating the negative impacts of its operations in an effort to actualise a greener future. These efforts also align with Dialog’s founding roles in the Global Compact Network of Ceylon, the local chapter of the United Nations Global Compact, and Biodiversity Sri Lanka, a network of Sri Lankan businesses committed to preserving the country’s rich biodiversity.
Dialog successfully completed the independent assessment of its EMS and was certified for the standard by DNV GL and accredited by RvA Netherlands. Dialog was certified on 7th June 2021 and the certification is valid for a period of 3 years with surveillance audits conducted periodically to validate the Company’s continuous compliance. This certification denotes that Dialog now has a robust environmental governance mechanism in place, furthering its sustainability journey. This includes revamping existing policies and processes – from waste management to setting environmental objectives, implementing alternative eco-friendly processes throughout the value chain, creating large-scale awareness of its environmental impact, and shifting toward a sustainability-oriented workplace culture.
In light of Dialog Axiata’s achievement, Rohitha Wickramasinghe, from DNV GL Pvt Ltd, the certification assurance provider, commented, “We are delighted to have facilitated Dialog Axiata’s efforts to obtain ISO 14001:2015 certification, considering a life cycle-based approach on environment protection, and key focuses on sustainability performance & the prevention of pollution. In an era where environment management and sustainability are of utmost importance, carrying this certification will significantly benefit Dialog Axiata as well as all of its stakeholders.”
Commenting on this recognition, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC, Supun Weerasinghe stated, “As a part of Dialog Axiata’s sustainability journey, we seek to understand and mitigate, or even eliminate any harmful impacts to the environment, while identifying opportunities to create value for the company and its stakeholders. The ISO 14001:2015 certification will boost the measurement, monitoring and reporting of Dialog’s environmental performance going forward. It also provides a framework to reduce negative impacts to the environment further and upholds the legal and regulatory obligations as we work together as one team towards a sustainable and greener future.”
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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