Business
Experts from Switzerland conduct knowledge-sharing session on organic agro-ecosystem
A team of experts from Switzerland presently on a 10-day visit in the country conducted an experiential and insightful training session on organic agriculture and ecosystem, a need of the hour for Sri Lanka as it bans chemical fertilizers and pesticides to make a transition from conventional to an organic approach. The event was held at the Baurs’ Fertilizer Factory (CMW) in Kelaniya on August 2 in adherence to strict health and safety guidelines with the presence of PHI officers on-site.
This knowledge sharing session saw the participation of Baurs’ senior management, support staff, fertilizer and plant protection field staff, CMW lab and factory staff, feed millers, invitees from animal health, poultry and biochar segments including INSEE Ecocycle, and special guests from Sunshine Holdings PLC including Binesh Pananwala, CEO of Watawala Plantations PLC.
The event is a part of the expert team’s diverse visit to study the country’s agricultural landscape, an initiative of A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd (Baurs). The team of experts is from two of the world’s leading institutes on this topic, namely the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL). They will meet with stakeholders from various key institutions, converse with farmers and other members, and visit numerous sites and facilities across the island.
Rolf Blaser, Managing Director/CEO of A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd, in his welcome speech, said ‘We are proud to take a proactive stand on the organic fertilizer challenge. We established dialogue and started this initiative four months ago no sooner the country’s announcement to ban chemical fertilizers and pesticides.’
‘We believe having such a world-class team of experts down here to study and exchange knowledge and resources on the holistic organic agriculture ecosystem is extremely beneficial to the country and sector. Together we will be visiting many sites and facilities in the coming days including key officials, academics and professionals to have an in-depth understanding of the system.’
According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), Sri Lanka currently has a 2.5pct share of organic agriculture.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Studer, professor of natural resources management at HAFL, walked the audience through his presentation on the importance of having an agroecological approach. Prof. Studer highlighted the importance of soil fertility management, expressing that the objective is not only providing nutrients to crops but also nurture the soil to make it fit for its diverse tasks such as production and ecosystem services. He also stressed on organic matters, soil life, sustainable use of resources, diverse cropping patterns, nutrients, biofertilizers, among others.
Dr. Jacques G Fuchs, senior scientist in plant pathology and soil quality at FiBL, shared insights on the basics of recycling organic residues, citing that everyone in Switzerland is individually involved with collecting and separating organic waste at home, and that there are a wide range of waste categories. Dr. Fuchs also touches on improving soil fertility, numerous ways of composting practiced in Switzerland from farmers through to industrial plants, including systems for treating bio-waste, various waste that can be composted or treated by anaerobic fermentation, anaerobic degradation process, decomposition and maturation, entire cycle.
Dr. Fuchs shared the entire cycle of the process management from collection of green waste to utilization of the final product, to include concept of organic waste collection, composting, anaerobic fermentation systems, mixture of raw materials, process management, storage of end products.
The event had an interactive Q&A session with all four members of the expert team including Dr. Gurbir S Bhullar, senior scientist in tropical agroecosystems at HAFL, Paul van den Berge, senior consultant at FiBL, followed by a vote thanks by A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd Deputy Managing Director/Director- Agriculture Janaka Gunasekera.
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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