Business
Debbie Jones appointed WISTA Sri Lanka president
The Sri Lankan branch of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA Sri Lanka) celebrated 7 years of presence in Sri Lanka. To commemorate this significant milestone WISTA held their AGM on 29th October at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, followed by Cocktails.
This event was graced by Rohan De Silva who celebrated 50 years of yeoman service and inspiring leadership to the Shipping and Logistics Industry in Sri Lanka. This truly was a momentous occasion for WISTA as Rohan De Silva became the recipient of WISTA personality of the year 2021 recognizing his great contributions, he has supported WISTA SL throughout their Journey being a WISTA SL AMBASSODOR. De Silva shared his remarkable journey with life-long experiences, challenges he successfully overcame, sharing gratitude to the people that touched his life and assisted him in his success.
Ms. Debbie Jones, Correspondent Manager P and I Division at GAC Shipping Ltd was elected as the President of WISTA Sri Lanka during the event. Debbie brings in a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Shipping Industry to lead and achieve the objectives of WISTA Sri Lanka. Diruni Chanmugam – Director / CEO of Shermans Logistics, was elected as the Vice President. Randima Krishnaratne – Country Sales Manager of A.P.Moller Maersk was elected as the Secretary, Kalani Dassanayake – Executive Commercial & Marketing of South Asia Gateway Terminals was elected as the Deputy Secretary, Shiyamalee Karunanayake – General Manager Shared Services of Hayleys Advantis was elected as Treasurer, Kanchana Bopitiya – Assistant Manager Customer Service Coordination of Hapag Lloyd Lanka was elected as the Assistant Treasurer.
The newly elected Executive Committee for the year 2021/22 consists of Nilu Mediwake Wickremasinghe – Director of SALOTA International, Swabha Wickramasinghe – Director of WorldLink Shipping Colombo, Anoma.V Ranasinghe – Consultant Shipping and HR Services of McLarens Group Management, Sujani Kumarasinghe – Head of Customer Experience of A.P.Moller Maersk, Chamila Bandara – Director /CEO of Mountain Hawk Express Licensee of FedEx, Amali Mudunkotuwa – General Manager Operations of Regency Teas, Shalinie de Silva – Assistant General Manager Marine of McLarens Lubricants, Felicita Alwis – Assistant Manager Operations of GAC Marine Services, Surangi Gunasekera – General Manager NVOCC of Prudential Shipping Lines, Chandula Rambukwella – Senior Manager PR and Communication of Hambantota International Port Group, Sharmala Fernando – Manager Key Accounts Management of Mac Supply Chain Solutions, Dharshanie Illukpitiya – Group Director Legal of McLarens Group Management, Kajini Ediriweera – Senior Sales & Marketing Executive of CMA CGM Lanka, Maleena Awn – Director Operations of Wilhelmsen Meridian Navigation, Himalika Perera – Deputy Chief Finance Manager of Sri Lanka Ports Authority & Ruwini Perera – Senior Executive Customer Solutions and Business Development of Hellman Worldwide Logistics. The Executive Committee will work towards implementing many initiatives in accordance with the WISTA Sri Lanka mandate on improving gender parity and women empowerment in the industry.
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.”