Business
Funded by the European Union, the Mediation Boards Commission launches national awareness campaign
The Mediation Boards Commission (MBC) of Sri Lanka, together with the Ministry of Justice, launched its national media campaign titled ‘Gini Sisila/Neerum Neruppum’, to create awareness on the mediation programme of Sri Lanka.
The launch event, held at the British Council lawn, was graced by several dignitaries, including Hon. Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Minister of Justice;, Wasantha Perera, Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Priyanath Perera, Secretary, Mediation Boards Commission; Hon. Justice Yapa, Chairperson, Mediation Boards Commission; Commissioners of the Mediation Boards Commission; H.E. Denis Chaibi, the Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives; European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives; H.E Sarah Hulton, British High Commissioner; Adrian Chadwick, South Asia Regional Director, British Council; Maarya Rehman, Country Director, British Council Sri Lanka; and Dinesha De Silva, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation.
Gini Sisala | Neerum Neruppum is an ideology that refers to a traditional fire dance where a dancer ‘extinguishes’ fire with his mouth – a metaphor used to iterate the service of using dialogue to solve disputes through community mediation. The launch event signified the beginning of a campaign that is to share 24 real-life and relatable community mediation success stories through press, television, radio and digital platforms. The evening showcased a trailer of the campaign alongside a few selected stories, speeches from dignitaries and live entertainment.
Addressing the audience, Minister of Justice Hon. Dr. Wijeydasa Rajapakshe said “Promoting Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism is one of the top priorities of the Ministry of Justice at the moment. I appreciate the contribution of the European Union towards improving the mediation process in Sri Lanka.”
The main aim of this campaign is to promote the use of Community Mediation Boards among all communities, explaining the interest-based mediation process and approach in Sri Lanka. It also aims to inform more people about the nature and availability of Mediation Services and encourage engagement with Mediation Boards, thereby providing better access to alternative dispute resolution services. It will also help to inform the public about mediation being a more affordable, sustainable and time saving process when compared with litigation.
Speaking at the event, H.E Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives stated that “The EU applauds the launching of the campaign that aims to raise awareness of the mediation services provided throughout Sri Lanka by the Mediation Boards. Mediation is a very efficient and effective means of solving individual conflicts, preventing their escalation, providing satisfaction to the individuals involved and preventing the Justice System from becoming overwhelmed, thus contributing to enhanced access to justice.”
The campaign is run by the Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution (SEDR) project, a four-year access to justice project funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the British Council, in partnership with The Asia Foundation (TAF)). The EUR 7 million project is part of the EU’s overarching STRIDE (Strengthening Transformation, Reconciliation, and Inclusive Democratic Engagement) Programme in Sri Lanka.
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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