Business
Ceylon Cinnamon EU-PGI status promoted in Belgium
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Belgium conducted an event on 18 October 2022 to celebrate the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status granted to Ceylon Cinnamon specifically for Ceylon Cinnamon quills, Ceylon Cinnamon powder, Ceylon Cinnamon leaf oil, and Ceylon Cinnamon bark oil by the European Union (EU) in February 2022, and to promote Ceylon Cinnamon in Belgium.
The event was attended by officials of the European Commission’s Directorates-General, the European External Action Service (EEAS), and the Belgian government, as well as representatives of business entities that are engaged in importing or using cinnamon in their various products in Belgium and media agencies. Director, International Affairs of the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) of the European Commission, John Clarke, who handles the PGI status for products, attended as a special guest. The objective of the event was to create awareness of the Ceylon Cinnamon with PGI status, which has been recognized as true cinnamon of high quality in the world cinnamon market. The European region largely uses Cinnamon Cassia, which is a cheaper substitute for Ceylon Cinnamon.
Ambassador Grace Asirwatham provided an introduction to the PGI status for Ceylon Cinnamon and the benefits that it presents to the producers, exporters, importers, and consumers in the EU region. The Ambassador said that Ceylon Cinnamon was a legacy and pride of Sri Lanka and added that while promoting Ceylon Cinnamon, Sri Lanka would like to share the inspiring story of Ceylon Cinnamon with the world. Further, the Ambassador said that Sri Lanka, being the true home of Ceylon Cinnamon, which holds 80% of the world market for Ceylon cinnamon, was confident that it would use the PGI status to penetrate into niche market segments in the EU and international markets.
The highlight of the Ambassador’s presentation was the detailed explanation of the differences between Ceylon Cinnamon and Cinnamon Cassia, stressing Ceylon Cinnamon’s high quality, distinctive production process, unique flavor and aroma, slender-thickness of cinnamon quills, delicate taste and properties that contribute to many health benefits, and the important characteristic of the ultra-low level of coumarin, which makes it a healthier choice for consumers. In his address to the gathering, Director John Clarke congratulated Sri Lanka and appreciated the efforts being made to make maximum use of PGI status to increase exports of Ceylon Cinnamon to the EU region.
During the business promotional event, profiles of thirteen (13) Sri Lankan companies were shared and their product samples were displayed for promotion among the potential importers and distributors in Belgium. The Sri Lankan companies associated with the event as coordinated by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce include Verger Naturals (Pvt) Ltd., Elpitiya Plantations Plc, Lak Cinnamon Planters & Exporters Group (Pvt) Ltd., A. Baur & Company (Pvt) Ltd., Samagi Organics (Pvt) Ltd., Diamond International Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Sanjeewaka Ayurvedic Products (Pvt) Ltd., Hddes Extracts (Pvt) Ltd., New Lanka Cinnamon (Pvt) Ltd., Silvermill, Ceyla Organics (Pvt) Ltd., Cinnamon One (Pvt) Ltd, and Enrich Tea & Food Exports (Pvt) Ltd.
Sri Lanka exports around 18,000MT of Ceylon Cinnamon to the world market, of which 45% is imported by South American countries and 14% by the US. The European region imports as little as 10% of Ceylon Cinnamon as it has been accustomed to using Cinnamon Cassia. The EU PGI
status for Ceylon Cinnamon is a significant tool to differentiate Ceylon Cinnamon in the EU market from its substitutes of lower quality. It will act as a source of competitive advantage, which will help to increase market differentiation and product turnover and allow for a premium price from the consumer. A coordinated and intense action plan is needed to promote EU PGI quality-certified Ceylon Cinnamon in all EU countries in order to develop a competitive position and enhance Ceylon Cinnamon’s market share in the European market.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brussels
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
