Business
SL’s membership of the Developing Countries Trading Scheme would enable it to grow – Deputy British HC
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Sri Lanka is in the UK government’s special Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which aims at harnessing the power of trade to help developing countries grow and prosper, Deputy British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Lisa Whanstall said.
‘The new scheme offers developing countries one of the most generous sets of trading preferences for any country in the world. The scheme demonstrates the UK’s commitment to building long term, mutually beneficial relationships with emerging economies that are home to more than 3.3 billion people, Ms. Whanstall told an AICPA & CIMA special event held in Colombo recently.
Deputy High Commissioner Whanstall added: ‘The UK is already Sri Lanka’s second largest export market, but currently Sri Lanka is on a lower utilization of the UK trading preferences on offer and greater diversification of Sri Lanka exports will be key towards tapping into the opportunities presented by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
‘Sri Lanka has the second largest CIMA student population in the world and the private sector in Sri Lanka has exhibited flexibility and resiliency to face economic challenges.The deep educational and professional ties between Sri Lanka and the UK have bound the two countries together for generations and will continue to bring them together and the British Council has been on ground here in Sri Lanka for over 70 years representing the UK in various aspects of cultural relations, building relationships, opportunities and connecting people and organizations, as well as language training.’
Chairman, University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka Prof Sampath Amaratunge said the CIMA qualification is an excellent qualification, in that it is like a passport to go to any part of the world.
Zahara Ansary, Country Head, Sri Lanka, at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants said that during these uncertain times AICPA and CIMA aim to support their candidates and members to succeed in their careers and gain the skills that they need to stay ahead of the curve.
“We run a range of initiatives alongside our partners to help them adapt and thrive through challenging times and to show them that earning their CGMA designation and being part of one of the largest networks of professional accountants can help them to achieve in their careers and personal lives, she 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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