Business
AmCham Sri Lanka inaugurates annual Christmas fundraiser
The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham Sri Lanka) recently hosted its members and partners to its inaugural Christmas fundraiser – Yuletide Greetings 2021.
Slated to be held annually, AmCham Sri Lanka will host this event with the aim of providing its members and partners the opportunity to share the Christmas spirit of giving with those less fortunate through special programs curated each year.
The past two years have not been easy – the devastating effects of Covid-19 have seen over 300,000 Sri Lankan’s lose their livelihoods, and over 14,000 lose their very lives. The pandemic has been devastating to say the least and the impact of this on homes and families, is incomprehensible. With this in mind, the team at AmCham curated three special programs to touch the lives of those adversely affected by the Pandemic this year through the fundraiser. First, a project in collaboration with Cinnamon Hotels to provide Christmas lunch to families adversely effected by the Pandemic. Next, a project in collaboration with SPAR Supermarkets to provide Hampers of groceries and other home needs to less fortunate families and finally, a project in collaboration with Women in Management, which provided lunch on the 1st of January 2022 to 100 homeless and less fortunate individuals.
AmCham SL’s membership of over 350 companies ranging from blue-chips to multinationals responded most encouragingly and not only was the event – which was held under strictest adherence to GoSL Covid-19 prevention guidelines – completely sold out within 24 hours of the announcement, but the event saw donations for the initiatives surpassing Rs. 600,000 and providing Christmas lunch to 65 families and Hampers to 50. Additionally, funds were raised for lunch to be provided for 100 homeless persons on two additional dates as well.
Speaking at the event, AmCham Sri Lanka President Lakshan Madurasinghe stated “It’s a special evening, as it gives us an opportunity to meet, to greet, and to share the spirit of camaraderie and one-ness after many months – but most importantly, to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas – the gift of love for our fellow man”
Lauded by members and partners as a timely and positive initiative, providing an opportunity to give back to the community, the event was held in collaboration with Sysco Labs Sri Lanka, HSBC, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and SPAR Supermarkets and members were treated to Christmas Carols, Christmas fare and the opportunity of Christmas camaraderie, making for a special evening dedicated to sharing the gift of Christmas.
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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