Business
HDDES Group products diversify BOI export basket
The HDDES Group, a Board of Investment (BOI) approved firm, that grows, manufactures, and exports organic spices, essential oils, oleoresins, tea extracts, herbs, medicinal plant extracts, dehydrates, virgin coconut oil, and coconut products, is a perfect example, that illustrates the BOI’s export diversification, a BOI press release said.
‘A BOI team recently visited the production facility of HDDES located at the BOI Zone in Horana and witnessed how HDDES operates its production, which immensely contributes to the country’s economy by dauntlessly promoting a variety of local products, the release added.
Elaborating, the release said: ‘The HDDES Group, which has been in existence since 1982 is dedicated to the development of natural products by manufacturing organic and conventional essential oils under the brand name of HDDES. H D De Silva founded the company, which he oversees as its chairman. In 2003, the Group diversified its portfolio and invested in the latest technology to introduce floral and herbal extracts to the export market under HDDES Extracts.
‘The Group has also been recognized at the Presidential Export Awards and has received the best exporter award in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.’
‘Basically, its priorities are to produce organic but both products are available in the market, organic and as well as conventional products. HDDES farms are 100 per cent organic certified under the new concept.
‘HDDES has captured a wide- ranging market portfolio in western and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Africa, North, Central, South America, East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. In addition, HDDES has its own brand “Classic”, “AURA” and “D’las” to cater retail consumer market.
‘Speaking about the factory, BOI Director General Renuka M Weerakone expressed: “The BOI, which contributes 65 per cent to national exports, is of the viewpoint that developing countries like Sri Lanka should diversify their exports while promoting non-traditional products as it enables to explore new avenues of earning foreign currencies.
“That’s why, the BOI has always encouraged and promoted individuals and firms like HDDES that diversify export products in addition to established sectors, such as apparel, rubber and other manufacturing- based products.”
‘HDDES Group chairman H. D. De Silva stated, “My view is to utilize as much as possible trade agreements to import, process and re-export agricultural products while ensuring much needed foreign income earnings to the country at this crucial stage.
“Thus, I humbly request all relevant authorities to positively absorb this proposition and implement straight forward decisions to eliminate all barriers and bottlenecks for all export industries. I believe this will pave the way to generate foreign income to the Island.”
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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