Business
Presidential Task Force needed to put medical tourism strategy in motion, says official
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Revenue from medical tourism could help national economic recovery and growth, and therefore, we need a Presidential Task Force that could effectively speed up and harness the economic benefits of medical tourism, Ms. Dhammika Wijesinghe, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism said in Colombo on Saturday.
“The main impact of medical tourism is that it brings direct foreign exchange earnings and contributes greatly to government revenues. So we need to invest in the development of local infrastructure to attract foreign medical tourists for treatments. This will help generate foreign exchange revenue to improve the country’s balance sheet,” she said.
She made these remarks at the 135th Anniversary – International Medical Congress 2022 – hosted by Sri Lanka Medical Association, where a session on Medical Tourism was held.
She observed that a Presidential Task Force would need to be established to give impetus to this nascent industry in Sri Lanka.
“The government has developed a National Export Strategy where medical tourism is also included. But we have not been active enough to implement it. That would be a waste of our endeavor made in the first place. Sri Lanka’s potential and capacity for the development of medical tourism and wellness tourism is enormous. So beyond planning, we need real implementation of the plans and that’s where a Presidential Task Force could play a vital role.”
“Also, the political leadership and business community of the country need to show the world that they trust the health system and medical services in Sri Lanka. We have to demonstrate to the world that there is a very good health system in Sri Lanka; our doctors are highly qualified and trained and can cure any disease and help patients, and that they are on par with world class specialists.”
“Only then can we attract foreign visitors here to seek our medical services. Only then will foreign visitors decide to travel across international borders with the intention of receiving medical treatment in Sri Lanka.”
“There is a lot of potential for Sri Lanka to enter and establish its presence and position in the regional medical tourism market, but all relevant stakeholders need to come together to accelerate the demand and adoption of medical tourism, and make Sri Lanka a desired destination for medical tourists,” she said.
According to reports of fact checkers, Thailand medical tourism market is estimated to reach US$ 5,687mn in 2022. Sales of Thailand Medical Tourism market are forecasted to increase at a robust 18.4 % CAGR (compound annual growth rate). Total sales of Thailand medical tourism market represent 2%-7% of the global medical tourism market.
The Malaysia medical tourism market was valued at US$ 1.2 bn in 2020, and is projected to rise at a steady CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period (2021-2028), with the market valuation reaching US$ 5.1 bn by the end of 2028.
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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