Business
The European Union and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority unveil first ever long distance walking trail
The Ambassador of the EU Delegation in Sri Lanka, Denis Chaibi together with Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism, Ms. Kimarli Fernando, launched the initial stage of the island’s first ever long distance walking trail, with the unveiling of the signage at the trailhead.
The Heritage Trails project identifies a collection of destination-based walking trails across the island starting with a more than 300-kilometer walking path traversing the hills of Sri Lanka. The interconnecting trail network will be the first of a series of walking trails that allow visitors to discover the varying terrain, history, culture, food and local community by foot, in short sections or as part of a multi-day experience.
The development of the trails is part of the EU’s 5.7 million Euro investment (1.3 billion Rupees) in support of Sri Lanka’s national tourism strategy – including the development of signature experiences that are authentic, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) committed a further $787,000 (approximately LKR 160 million) to support the initiative. The project is implemented by the International Executive Service Corps.
Sharing his views while walking the trail, Ambassador Chaibi said, “As an avid biker, I’ve been all over the country and am amazed by the tourism potential here – particularly when you take the time to get off the beaten track. Sri Lanka has suffered multiple crises since 2019, leaving the tourism industry and the people dependent on it very vulnerable. The European Union is committed to working closely with the Government of Sri Lanka. This trail experience allows us to explore the development of more signature experiences that align with the emerging post-Covid travel trends. We are also delighted that USAID has joined with us in this effort.”
Meanwhile, commenting on the overall project, Minister of Tourism, Prasanna Ranatunga said, “We value the support extended to us by the European Union and the United States to this vital sector of our economy and are confident that programs like this one will help some of the most vulnerable businesses stay in operation and safeguard the livelihoods of the many individuals directly and indirectly employed in the sector. Travelers from the European Union account for nearly half of all tourists visiting Sri Lanka, and we are happy to witness a continued growth in arrivals from the EU since October 2021.”
USAID Mission Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Reed Aeschliman said, “For over 60 years, USAID has invested in Sri Lanka’s growth. We are excited to partner with the Government of Sri Lanka and the European Union to shine the spotlight on Sri Lanka’s natural heritage and support the tourism sector with a long-term, sustainable initiative.”
The Heritage Trails project complements the foundation of the trail network with initiatives supporting tourism employment and entrepreneurship. These include a grants program to help establish and sustain small enterprises that can support Sri Lanka’s new signature experiences, as well as training for tourism workers, owners, and managers.
The European Union and USAID have provided economic and humanitarian support to Sri Lanka for decades. The Heritage Trails initiative is one component of these longstanding partnerships.
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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