Business
Kumar Anthony Paul Fernando: Forgiveness incarnate
“Beautiful Memories silently kept of one that we loved and will never forget” is what’s inscribed in Kumar’s tombstone by his family. It’s been one year for the 12th of September 2020 since my good friend Kumar Fernando left us to go to his creator. Even though he is no more with us, his memory and influence will always live on, in the lives of those who knew him, and were touched by his generosity and kindness. Kumar’s life has left an indelible imprint in the life of his close family and friends and this void can never be filled.
I got to know Kumar initially in 1972 while we were in school, but it was much later that we both entered the same profession as planters and worked in the same area and thus became close friends. This culminated in him inviting me to be his ‘best man’ at his wedding in 1976, a moment I still cherish.
Several years later after excelling in his chosen career as a Planter in Sri Lanka, he had the good fortune of being selected to work in Transkei, South Africa, where he worked with distinction for the Magwa Tea Corporation for 14 years, rising to the position of General Manager – Operations before he decided to leave Transkei for Melbourne, Australia at the pinnacle of his career.
His new home, Melbourne Australia offered Kumar many opportunities. Due to his versatility, entrepreneurial competence, and dedication he set up a successful restaurant business with his wife Nelu in a very short space of time. As always Kumar worked tirelessly to set it up, and the business flourished even in a highly competitive environment like Melbourne, purely because of Kumar’s commitment, perseverance and hard work.
Kumar unhesitatingly shared his success with others by unselfishly sharing his time and advice specially with many Sri Lankans who were learning the nitty grittier of business in Melbourne. I have had personal knowledge of some people whom he has helped, and these were some of his very endearing qualities that are rare in today’s world. Another quality that I found in Kumar as the years went by is that he could easily forgive those who wronged him and even go to the extent of helping such people and encouraged others to do so too.
By this quality he was practising the biblical principles of ‘forgiveness’ which many find hard to do. I know that this characteristic of forgiving others came very easily to him, entirely because of the grace he carried from the Lord. Forgiving and caring for people and assisting them came very naturally to Kumar. During my few visits to Melbourne, we used to discuss this area of forgiveness and spirituality in detail and I was amazed by his faith.
In the Gospel of Luke Chapter 6: verses 27-28 Jesus says ‘but to you who are willing to listen, I say love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, pray for those who hurt you”. I can clearly say that Kumar lived and practised the Lord’s instructions and this is the legacy he left behind for his close friends and family. While I know that Nelu and his children Tehani, Ayesh and Sudesh and the extended family will continue to miss Kumar immensely, they can be proud that Kumar’s life was exemplary, serving the Lord and living the Word to his best always.
Visiting Melbourne will never be the same for me, I will miss Kumar and the special times we shared. I will always hold dear the fond memories I have of him and I am proud to have been his close friend for there many years. I know that the Lord Jesus has granted him eternal rest.
Rohan M Fernando
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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