Business
Germany supports Sri Lankan SMEs to showcase their agri-food products
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) organised a business delegation of five Sri Lankan exporters of agricultural products to Fruit Logistica which took place in Berlin, Germany from 05-07 April 2022.
Fruit Logistica is the world’s leading trade fair for fresh fruit, vegetables, and spices, which covers several sections of the fresh produce business and provides a complete picture of the latest innovations, products, and services at every link in the international supply chain.
AHK Sri Lanka has continually supported businesses to ensure their active participation in international trade fairs such as Fruit Logistica due to the extensive exposure and advantages offered by the trade fair platform. Over 3,200 exhibitors and 78,000 trade visitors attend FRUIT LOGISTICA yearly and realize their full business potential within the international fresh produce trade. At Fruit Logistica 2022, five producers and exporters of fresh fruit and vegetable, and spice products represented Sri Lanka. The ‘Sri Lanka’ country pavilion showcased a range of specialty products such as dried fruits, cinnamon, pepper, jackfruit, coconut, and other agri-food products. The participatory companies from Sri Lanka were Ceylon Spices NB (Pvt) Ltd, Ceylon Plant Food (Pvt) Ltd, Gralgo from Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd, Waguruwela Oil Mills (Pvt) Ltd, and E.C. Holdings.
This year would be the first-time products ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ will be exhibited in a Sri Lankan country pavilion at the world’s leading trade fair for fruit, vegetables, and spice – Fruit Logistica. The ceremonial opening of the ‘Sri Lanka’ country pavilion took place on 06th April 2022, in the presence of Ms. Buddika Wimalasena (Head of Chancery – Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin), Frank Kruse (Head of agricultural policy – Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA), and Malintha Gajanayake (Head of Corporate Affairs & Export Promotions – AHK Sri Lanka).
Head of Corporate Affairs & Export Promotion at the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), Malintha Gajanayake said “Germany remains the fourth most important export market for Sri Lanka behind the US, UK, and India. The total value of Sri Lankan exports of fruit and vegetables increased by 8.9% from USD 61.41 Mn in 2020 to USD 66.9 Mn in 2021. As such, the potential in the Sri Lanka Agriculture Export sector is tremendous. One of the main reasons for us as part of the German Chamber network to organize the first ‘Sri Lanka’ country pavilion at Fruit Logistica 2022 is to support Sri Lankan exporters of agricultural products to obtain broader market access, particularly in the EU and increase the export-competitiveness of Sri Lankan SMEs in the agriculture export sector”.
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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