Business
Swisstek Aluminium switches to Green Energy through Mega Roof Solar Project
Completes 1,500 KW solar generation project with Rs. 156 mn investment
Swisstek Aluminium Limited, an aluminium product manufacturer that has grown into an industry mainstay in Sri Lanka over the past 12 years, and caters to both local and international markets, announced its contribution towards the national sustainability drive through the installation of solar power generation facilities at its factory complex. This shift to renewable energy is expected to affect positively on its export share, considering the global shift towards cleaner production methods that is pushing suppliers to source materials from more eco-friendly manufacturers.
A rooftop solar panel array was chosen as the most feasible option owing to the factory’s large area and roof capacity, and thus, a total of 3,340 photovoltaic panels were installed under the Ceylon Electricity Board’s net plus scheme, with Swisstek making a significant investment of over Rs. 156.5 million in the project. This initiative contributes more than 2.1 million Kilowatt hours to the national grid annually, in a sustainable manner.
The rooftop solar array enables the generation of up to 30% of the factory’s power consumption requirement through a renewable source, vastly reducing the carbon footprint generated by Swisstek’s operations.
Swisstek Aluminium further explained that the factory, which handles the powder coating and anodizing treatment processes of extruded aluminium products, was recording heavy levels of energy consumption due to the resource-intensive processes being undertaken. With rising electricity rates and the globally increased demand for corporate sustainability, the management decided to implement renewable power generation facilities, thus bringing down the company’s operating costs as well as its ecological impact.
While the company benefits from the reduced operating costs due to this on-site generation facility, the move towards solar power is also in line with the national goal of producing 70% of the national energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030, while marking Swisstek Aluminium’s products as being ahead of its competitors in yet another aspect, in the form of sustainable production. Further company produces and supplies a wide range of solar brackets and accessories to major solar installation companies as a leading partner.
Commenting on the achievement, Swisstek Aluminium Chief Executive Officer Tharindu Atapattu stated, “At Swisstek Aluminium, our quality promise also comes with a commitment to becoming the most environmentally-friendly manufacturer for aluminium extrusions in Sri Lanka. Completing this renewable energy generation project marks a huge step towards ensuring sustainability, as we have reduced a large portion of our carbon footprint.Swisstek
“In this way, we aim to continue contributing towards the country’s progress towards its goals of achieving an export-oriented economy, as well as reducing the demand for non-renewable energy, which we hope will set an example for other industries to follow suit. Especially given the current situation, we believe it is up to all of us to do our part in taking Sri Lanka forward.”
Atapattu further noted, “We aim to further increase renewable powder generation capacity to 100% by undertaking similar efforts in the future, thus achieving a carbon-neutral production process through our next phase of development.”
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
