Business
Jatinder Biala re-elected FTZMA chairman
New office bearers elected in 40th Annual General Meeting
Jatinder Biala , General Manager / Director of Isin Lanka (Pvt) Ltd was elected as the president of the Free Trade Zone Manufactures’ Association (FTZMA) at the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Vivanta Colombo Air Port Garden in Seeduwa, on September 16.
The AGM also elected new office bearers for the period 2020/2021 and shared the presentation of its annual report and the audited accounts for the preceding year of the FTZMA were also shared with their members. The auditors for the ensuing year were also elected during the AGM.
The FTZMA was founded in 1981, three years after the first ever largest Free Trade Zone was commissioned in Katunayake. The organization is the main trade chamber of foreign direct investors that pioneered activities of the main Industrial Zone in Katunayake, plays a pivotal role in the national economy and is shaping it up while providing direct and in-direct employment plus means of living for hundreds of thousands people in the vicinity.
Over the years, FTZMA has been instrumental in resolving various challenges and issues with the relevant authorities in professional and expeditious manner. As such the reputation of the association has grown and it has become an entity which duly cares about the interest of entrepreneurs and investors. Since its inception, FTZMA has grown with its member enrollment is now representing over 75% of enterprises located in Katunayake Export Processing Zone. Further, association has developed sound relationship with Business Chambers both inside and outside Sri Lanka and also gets involved in establishing and making policy representations to relevant government authorities.
There have been several other free trade zones set up in the country while using Katunayake as a model and FTZMA is looking forward to spread its membership in those Free Trade Zones too. FTZMA is the sole trade chamber that represents over 280 enterprises in all 13 BOI zones and three more zones in Mirrijjawila (Pharma), Bingiriya and Eravur, addressing common issues in liaising with BOI and other state agencies. Moreover, FTZMA is also one of the main employer bodies representing the NLAC- National Labour Advisory Council since its inception
There are over 60 member enterprises under the wings of FTZMA which is having close links with the BOI, Ministry and all statutory bodies, building relationships and raising matters related to its members. The matters related to environment, labour, infrastructure, legal, customs, immigration, Ports & Air Ports and Logistics etc. are discussed and taken care of. The Association renders its services to the members and all BOI investors housed in and out of the zones island-wide towards developing their business operations and creating opportunities to foster and safeguard their interest at all times.
FTZMA is a founding organization of the apex body – Joint Apparel Associations Forum (JAAF) which is the umbrella body for apparel trade of the country and it aims to be the “One Stop Service Provider” for all the member enterprises and all BOI investors housed in all the zones and outsides island whilst representing them in all the forums. The Secretariat of FTZMA is run by Secretary General Vasantha Dias, established at unit18, Plaza Complex, Free Trade Zone, Katunayake.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
