Business
‘Be Sri Lankan, Buy Sri Lanka’, indicator of ‘product excellence’
By Steve A. Morrell
‘Be Sri Lankan, Buy Sri Lanka’, was not only a marketing blurb but carried with it integrity of product excellence and added prestige to local products, newly-elected president of the Institute of Packaging Rohan Wijesinghe said. He was elected 46th president of the Institute recently.
Past president Anuradha Jayasinghe introducing the in-coming president said the fact that the mantle of office is moving to another year of progress for innovation and a new focus on priorities meant that the Institute of Packaging was in consonance with the changing times. The exigencies and challenges in the context of the unavoidable incidence of the on-going pandemic posed new priorities to be addressed. Taking office in these times of extraordinary significance was important for the year ahead and it was with confidence that Rohan Wijesinghe was elected to the high office of president.
Jayasinghe added: ‘Rohan Wijesinghe’s background resume was that he is not new to leadership, having proved himself a professional both locally and internationally.
‘He represented Sri Lanka at the World Packaging Congresses in Japan and many other countries, including Germany, China, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, India, Thailand, Malaysia, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Dubai and Tasmania.
‘Mr. Wijesinghe successfully held the office of chairman, Twins Packaging Pvt. Ltd, Premium Packaging Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and other organizations who lauded his progress as outstanding contributions instrumental in their progress.
Rohan Wijesinghe accepting office said he was perhaps the first Catholic to be conferred the titles, Deshamanya, Desha Shakthi and Lanka Puthra.
Accepting the office of president, he paid tribute to the leadership of the Institute of Packaging which withstood the vicissitudes of time and through the 46 years or so of its existence continued to ensure the excellence of the essentialities of packaging to maintain high standards so essential for product marketing and presentation.
Wijesinghe said: ‘The packaging industry is now a crucial component for product marketing and effective shelf presentation. Its attractive features that are usually seen on product shelves are of distinct assistance to ensure product distinction and sustainability that contribute to value addition of such products. ‘Be Sri Lankan buy Sri Lanka’ was not only a marketing blurb but carried with it integrity of product excellence and adds to the prestige of each local product.
‘Demand for excellence was now a sophisticated necessity and the Institute of Packaging and its professional exactitude was necessary for product marketing and consequent public appeal.’
Rohan Wijesinghe’s Alma Mater is St. Anthony’s College, Kandy. He excelled in academic activity and was a true all-rounder. He represented the college in athletics and rugger and is a triple coloursman, having played basketball and tennis as well. He was also captain of the table tennis team.
Wijesinghe said out-going president Anuradha Jayasinghe, past president Rohan Victoria, Secretary – Social, Tania Francis, treasurer Sunil Costa and others who held office, continued to be actively involved with the packaging industry. Their expertise was etched in the progress of the Institute and ensured its continuous positive development.
His tributes to the past committee and outstanding personnel included Michael Perera, recipient of the life-time achievement award.
Michael Perera said packaging was now essential to minimize waste. He said it was now time that re-cycling was part of the packaging industry, in that it had to be addressed as a matter of urgency, because of waste plastics that was now the bane of goods and services. As much as packaging was important, the conversion of waste and its recycling was urgent and cannot be ignored. Particularly because waste from other countries too was carried to our shores, which was a growing problem.
Outgoing president Anuradha Jayasinghe expressed his appreciation to his committee and assured the Institute of his continuous interest in its activities.
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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