Business
SAGT enhances positioning of Port of Colombo within international supply-chain
South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT), in the Port of Colombo, launched its Sustainability Report 2020/21- “Bringing the World Closer. Investing in a greener future”. This is the second consecutive report published by SAGT and details the company’s sustainability performance during the financial year 2020/21. It remains the only formal report published by a terminal operator in the Port of Colombo and in doing so, the report further enhances the positioning of the Port of Colombo within the international supply-chain.
With a strong commitment to driving a sustainable business, the report reflects SAGT’s approach to embed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards to its core business operations towards driving its triple-bottom-line performance. All sustainability information is gathered and published based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards ‘Core’ option and in full adherence to GRI principles. Thereby, key sustainability themes such as materiality, stakeholder inclusiveness and sustainability context, are derived based on GRI principles. In line with global best practice, the SAGT Sustainability Report 2020/21 and the data presented has been independently assured by DNV GL.
The Port of Colombo showed great resilience and innovation from the onset of the pandemic and continued to offer uninterrupted services to global shipping lines and port users in Sri Lanka by ensuring the unhindered movement of cargo through and to/from the Port. SAGT was quick to respond to minimizing personal contact which was the primary need of the hour – and was at the forefront of revolutionizing the traditionally paper-based import clearance process, by introducing a simple digital process to instantaneously offer importers the convenience of processing import documentation from the safety of their offices or homes. The company also introduced dedicated staff transport, participated fully in the Government’s vaccination drive for essential services, implemented other social distancing and sanitization procedures and a work from home policy for some categories of office staff.
Amidst the uncertainty and challenges brought upon by the pandemic, SAGT continued its efforts to drive and enhance its sustainability initiatives. During the year in review, Team SAGT was successful in reducing its carbon footprint by 3% (excluding electricity consumption of customer owned and operated refrigerated containers) mainly through forging ahead with an investment of over Rs 1.3 billion in the conversion of 24 Rubber Tyred Gantries (RTGs) to cutting edge Japanese hybrid technology. The company furthered its commitment to environmental conservation by pledging to reforest and maintain a further 4 acres of land at the Yagirala Forest Reserve.
Furthering its commitment to operational efficiencies, during the year 2020/21 the company confirmed an order for two new Ship-to-Shore quay cranes with twin lift capabilities to be delivered in April 2022 and commissioned 46 new intra-terminal prime movers during the year – at a combined investment of over Rs 4.0 billion.
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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