Business
Varna Packaging excels as a pioneer in innovative Gravure printing
Varna, the very first flexible packaging company to be established in Sri Lanka, was recognised with the prestigious Golden Cylinder Award in the ‘Innovative Novel Gravure Printing’ category at Gravure Technical Forum 2022 organized by the Gravure Association of the Americas (GAA) and the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL). The ceremony was held on 26th September 2022 in Orlando, United States with the presence of industry leaders of knowledge, experience, and reputation in the gravure industry, including but not limited to professionals, designers, educators, and publishers. A testament to Varna’s vision to deliver innovative packaging solutions that provide the greatest benefit to humanity while minimizing the impact on the planet, the Golden Cylinder award was accorded in recognition of the “Best of the Best” among the most creative and highest quality gravure print projects produced by various gravure operators throughout the globe.
The competition is conducted annually to promote the gravure process and provide peer recognition for technical achievement in each industry segment. Golden Cylinder award accurately reflects the distinctive competencies and capabilities of Varna in various gravure specialisations spheres of packaging and label, product, publication, and technical innovation.
Incorporated in 1961, Varna was founded by C. E. L Wickremesinghe by introducing rotogravure printing wrappers for the local confectionery industry for the first time in Sri Lanka. Over the last 60 years, Varna has reinforced its commitment to quality through innovation, advanced technology and collaboration while maintaining its position as the market leader for flexible packaging manufacturing.
Speaking of the achievement, Managing Director of Varna Limited, Channa Lalin Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to the company’s strategic partners that helped Varna reach from strength to strength.
“Golden Cylinder award is both an honour and an opportunity for Varna to take the name of the homegrown company to the international arena. I wish to take this opportunity to thank our valued business partners namely Maliban Group Sri Lanka, our ink business partner Sithara Limited, our cylinder engraver Lanka Uchen and other machinery and raw material suppliers for making this journey possible.
“While having personal pride, let me also add a contextual observation. This award opens the pathway to markets of the future and is an encouragement to those in our industry located worldwide, ” Wickremesinghe said.
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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