Business
A collaborative initiative between British Council Sri Lanka and Muslim Aid Sri Lanka
The British Council of Sri Lanka in partnership with Muslim Aid successfully completed the Active Citizens Social Action for Climate Change initiative in the Trincomalee District earlier this year. The overall programme entailed six unique projects designed to mobilize youth to take action against one of the greatest threats affecting the global population at present: Climate change.
The Six projects carried out under the Active Citizens initiative include: Kinniya Climate Resilience, Parijatham, Muthur Guardians, Tidy Tide, Diamond Model Village and Man Grow.
Kinniya Climate Resilience project aimed to create climate change awareness and promote social leadership among youth in Trincomalee. In that regard, a one-day workshop addressing crucial issues connected to climate change and resilience was arranged for senior students of Al Irfan Maha Vidiyalayam in Kinniya, where youth were urged to engage in clean-up campaigns, participate in tree planting and other remedial efforts.
The project Parijatham, carried out in the Potkeni Village, focused on poverty relief and environmental change. A volunteer for the initiative noted: “The villagers are dependent on home gardening and agriculture for their livelihoods. Devastating amounts of chemical fertilizers are used here in the interest of having higher yields. The project intended to incentivize organic agricultural practices and instill healthy eating habits among the community.”
Muthur Guardians carried out a ‘shramadana’ (clean-up) to eliminate algae and pollutants from water bodies in Nadutheevu, Muttur. According to a participant, extensive pollution in the region has resulted in a surplus of nitrogen and phosphorous causing algal blooms to spread at an alarming rate. Algal blooms produce harmful toxins, create ‘dead zones’ and hurt industries that depend on clean water.
Intending to minimize ocean pollution and plastic litter, the Tidy Tide project strived to raise awareness by organizing beach clean-ups and installing waste bins with the support of the Trincomalee Urban Council, volunteers, and residents.
Under the Diamond Model Village project, 20 targeted families were incentivized to embrace organic farming in Muttur, Trincomalee. The project also entailed activities such as constructing a greenhouse, reforestation and educating the community on the benefits of organic farming via industry experts.
The sixth project, Man Grow, attempted to mitigate frequent natural disasters in Kinniya by planting mangroves along the coastline. Mangroves form dense ecosystems that act as walls or barriers against wind, storm surge and other natural disasters. A participant, Fahmeedha Haneef said: “Climate change is a universal crisis – one that can only be productively addressed through intercultural dialogue. The project served to bring communities closer together and we are hopeful locals will continue to work together to manage, mitigate and overcome the challenges the six projects intended to address.”
While tackling climate change was the primary objective of the initiative, it also served to promote social cohesion among different ethnic and religious communities. The organizers are pleased with the reception and outcomes of this project in the Trincomalee district and thus intend to extend it to other parts of the country, too, once normalcy is restored.
The British Council Sri Lanka has a number of projects planned as part of the Climate Connection programme leading to COP26 hosted by the UK, in Glasgow, Scotland, from 1 to 12 November. Youth engagement and our youth leadership programme will continue to remain the main vehicle for addressing climate change issues at the community level, bringing positive change to society at large.
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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