Business
Key tourism destination eyes rebound as super luxury train launches ride to Badulla
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Ella is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations highly dependent on tourism. Today many tourism businesses are left high and dry because of the drastic drop in tourist arrivals to the area. However, tourism-dependent individuals and businesses in Ella breathed a sigh of relief yesterday on hearing the news that the Department of Railways has made arrangements to run an inter-city super luxury train – ‘Ella Odyssey’ – between Colombo and Badulla every Saturday from the coming weekend.
The Department of Railways will launch this luxurious train journey to facilitate the travel of more foreign and local visitors to the area in line with the instructions given by Bandula Gunawardena, the Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media.The journey to Badulla, which is widely viewed as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, is expected to help rebound tourism in Ella.
‘Ella Odyssey’ leaves Colombo Fort at 05.30 am every Saturday and is scheduled to reach Badulla at 3.55 pm. Every Sunday the train leaves Badulla at 09.50 am and reaches Colombo at 07.20 pm. The train stops at Gampaha, Veyangoda, Polgahawela, Rambukkana, Peradeniya, Kandy, Nawalapitiya, Nanu Oya, Haputale, Diyatalawa, Bandarawela, Ella and Badulla train stations.
During the journey the train is scheduled to stop at interesting sightseeing spots including St. Clair Falls, Great Western Railway Station, Elgin Falls, Pattipola Summit Level, Idalgashinna Railway Station, Demodara 9-Arch Bridge, and Demodara Bridge and tunnel.
People living in Ella told media yesterday that at least 75% of their businesses have collapsed with the drastic decline in tourist arrivals to the area mainly due to travel uncertainties emanating from fuel shortage.
“Our main source of income comes from tourism, tourism-allied trade activities and employment in the hospitality sector. Our livelihoods have constantly suffered from the Easter Sunday attacks, the covid-19 pandemic and now the restricted distribution of fuel. Foreign visitors don’t want to come here as they are not sure whether they can keep to their travel plans. We appeal to the authorities to bring about a solution to our predicament as our livelihoods have hit the lowest ebb ever. There is hardly any foreign visitor to be seen here. I think tourists are also sick of this situation.”
A restaurateur in Ella told the media that he was forced to terminate the service of about 28-30 staff that worked in his restaurant since the multiple crises hit the country. “In the best times for tourism in 2017-2018, there were 40 personnel on my staff and now there are only 10-12. I think 80% of livelihoods here in Ella are directly or indirectly dependent on tourism. This has been the worst period in living memory for the tourism industry. It’s up to the authorities to take measures to revive tourism and save jobs. In this context, I think the new luxury train journey to Ella is good thinking because it will be a great option for travel safety, convenience and affordable public transport connectivity to a key tourist destination of the country.”
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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