Business
Germany supports Sri Lanka to increase its export capacities of organic products to the EU
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), in collaboration with the German Agency of International Development Cooperation (GIZ), conducted a seminar with an integrated press conference in Kandy on 29th November 2021 to raise awareness among potential exporters and industry representatives to increase export capacities of organic products to the EU.
The event was held in the presence of Andreas Hergenroether, Chief Delegate – Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka, Mr. H. M. R. Bandara – Provincial Director, Department of Agriculture, Ms. Shalindri Perera, Change Agent – GIZ and 15+ exporters of organic products in the central province. Sri Lankan exporters in the organic sector were briefed on the procedure of exporting organic products from Sri Lanka to the EU and support mechanisms such as matchmaking support and the ‘develoPPP.de program’ of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The initiative is co-funded by the European Union and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Andreas Hergenröther, Chief Delegate of Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka, stated: “The European Union (EU) is by far the fastest-growing organic market worldwide. We are convinced that Sri Lankan organic exporters could become strategic suppliers”. He highlighted that the global market for organic food reached EURO 106 billion in 2019. Retail sales in the European Union (EU) were valued at EURO 41.4 billion. As the largest organic retail sales market in the EU, Germany accounted for EURO 11.97 billion in 2019. Major Sri Lankan organic products exported to the EU include cinnamon, coconut-based products, organic tea, tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, banana, and vegetables such as potato, carrots, leeks, and legumes.
Ms. Shalindri Perera, Change Agent, from GIZ introduced the develoPPP.de Program to the organic-sector exporters and discussed the criteria required to embark on a develoPPP.de programme together with the GIZ SME Sector Development Program in Sri Lanka. The required criteria included being a for-profit business, making a 50% contribution to the project, and a minimum annual turnover. Private companies engaged in the organic sector, with project ideas with a clear community/social impact were encouraged to apply for the developpp.de Program.
During the event, AHK Sri Lanka the official representative of German business in Sri Lanka presented information on key topics concerning the EU legislations for organic farming, technical regulations and controls, certifications, standards, packaging, labelling, logistics, risk management, and other requirements of the European consumer.
Moreover, Ms. Udani Mendis representing Bio Food Pvt Ltd a leading Sri Lankan organic products exporter explained the importance of certification & their success story in the EU market. Ashoka Abeywickrama, former CEO of Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Central province expounded on the prospects of organic farming in central province.
AHK Sri Lanka is part of the German Chamber Network supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). With 142 locations in 92 countries around the world, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offer their experience, connections, and services – including coordination and certification of industry-driven vocational training – to German and companies of the respective partner countries.
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has been working in Sri Lanka since 1956. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office, GIZ is working on topics such as support for the reconciliation process, private sector development and education and vocational training.
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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