Business
MV HR Sarera becomes first caller at JCT after Covid-19 pandamic
With a greater focus to provide flexible feeder connections in Colombo, HR Lines, Bangladesh feeder vessel operator, who introduced their feeder service, CCE – Chattogram Colombo Express in April 2021, has dedicated one of their Chattogram loops to call at JCT effective MV HR SARERA Voyage 0042N called at the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) of the Port of Colombo (POC) on 10.03.2022. The occasion was participated by the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Tareq Md Ariful Islam.
MV HR SARERA is the first inaugural caller at the JCT of SLPA after Covid -19 pandemic. To mark the inaugural call of the vessel plaque exchanges were held at the JCT of SLPA. Clarion Shipping (Pvt) Ltd., a subsidiary of Hayleys Advantis group is the local agent for the vessel.
HR Lines stared the Colombo – Chattogram feeder service with 02 vessels, once a week sailing and eventually will upgrade it to twice weekly with adding 02 more vessels by October 2022. Being one of the prominent feeder operators, within a year, HR Lines has secured a total market share of about 35% of this trade lane. HR Line is a part of diversified group Karnaphuli Bangladesh and is determined to enhance their presence in Colombo with further developments.
Expressing views at the occasion, Chairman of SLPA Dr.Prasantha Jayamanna said that during the discussions held with the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, it was apparent that Bangladesh was immensely supportive of improving mutually beneficial relationships between the two countries and also for working together to bring in more practical and workable business solutions in policy decision levels towards enhancing volumes at the JCT and POC. He also thanked the Hayleys Advantis group for having trust on the JCT to have the new initiative and for its continuity.
Speaking at the occasion, Bangladesh High Commissioner said that shipping connectivity was one of the most important areas in developing bilateral relations between the two countries. He also thanked the JCT and the Port of Colombo for the improved efficiency in operations and wished for a long lasting relationship that would open more business avenues in maritime operations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”