Business
Hatch Makerstudio creates a community workspace bringing ideas to life
The newly launched Hatch Makerstudio is a community workspace designed for innovators, providing access to state-of-the-art digital fabrication technology and equipment for startups and individuals to prototype and test their innovations. It is an ideal platform for creative thinkers to collaborate and drive innovation in product development and manufacturing aiming at new opportunities for economic growth.
The Makerstudio, located at Hatch, Colombo, was officially declared open by the Deputy German Ambassador to Sri Lanka, HE Olaf Malchow and Co-Founder of Hatch, Ms. Brindha Selvadurai-Gnanam recently.
The Makerstudio is financed by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ),and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Small and Medium Enterpreise (SME) Sector Development Programme in partnership with Hatch.
In his key note address, Deputy Ambassador Olaf Malchow commented on the potential of Sri Lanka’s start-up economy and spoke on the importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems to fester dynamic economic development while enabling significant societal benefits
Brindha Selvadurai-Gnanam, Co-Founder and CEO of Hatch stated that the vision for Hatch was to provide access to a supportive environment, skills, materials, and advanced technology to allow anyone with an idea to innovate and excel. “The Makerstudio embodies this vision,” she said, adding that it was made possible because of a fruitful partnership with GIZ who share a similar passion for creative problem solving by nurturing a Maker-culture in Sri Lanka.
‘The Makerstudio has always provided a safe and affordable space to experiment freely and build prototypes until I perfected my design’, said Safiya Sideek, a Maker who exhibited ‘Elements by Safiya’ at the launch.
Interested community members have the option of joining dedicated classes or programmes, in order to gain knowledge about digital fabrication and product development, and eventually start their own projects.
The Makerstudio offers consultancy services that target businesses and organisations which require assistance in the development of new services and products to address local and export markets.
Hatch Makerstudio is located on the ground floor of Hatch Works, Colombo. All tools and machines can be used independently or assisted by workshop staff, overseen by Florian Manderscheid, Head Maker at Hatch.
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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