Business
German support for SL SMEs to build capacity in renewable energy
Technologies and know-how for climate-friendly energy supply “made in Germany” are in demand worldwide. A growing number of private and public sector organizations are recognizing the importance of renewable energies, energy efficiency as well as intelligent system solutions that not only reduce dependence on fossil resources and contribute to climate protection but also help cut costs and strengthen competitiveness. In this capacity, the ‘German Energy Solutions Initiative’ has the goal to encourage the use of sustainable energy solutions and improve industry cooperation between Germany and partner countries.
From 21-25 February 2022, the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) in cooperation with eclareon GmbH organized a virtual fact-finding mission from Germany to Sri Lanka in the field of sustainable technologies and intelligent solutions for energy efficiency in buildings.
During the fact-finding mission, Sri Lankan SMEs were presented with the latest solutions, expertise, and opportunities for collaboration in the field of energy efficiency in residential and non-residential buildings. As part of the German Energy Solutions Initiative, the project is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
Following the fact-finding mission, AHK Sri Lanka organized an information event for the German companies to understand the existing practices of the Sri Lankan energy sector. During the information event, Sri Lankan industry experts from the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka, and DIMO presented insights on the Sri Lankan energy sector. In the next months, the initiative will offer business matchmaking services for Sri Lankan companies. German companies will visit Sri Lanka end of this year to materialize business partnerships with the potential SMEs in the country.
In a second current initiative in the field of energy and energy efficiency, AHK Sri Lanka is conducting an online training course for “Energy Managers”. The training course is based on the German concept of certified energy managers and is aimed at participants from the private sector, focusing on SMEs, who will be trained on increasing energy efficiency in their respective companies. Janaka Gunatileka, a national expert in the field and international expert and Elena Orth will conduct the training up until 04 May 2022. In the training series, participants will be informed on the various aspects of energy efficiency, efficient best practices in the field to decrease energy-usage in their respective companies. The initiative is supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
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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