Business
Indian economic development model recommended for SL
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh could follow the Indian economic development model because both countries have similarities. India being in the same region, maintained 10 per cent growth well over ten years, newly appointed Mexican ambassador to Sri Lanka Federico Salas Lofte said.
“Sri Lanka has the potential to boost tourism and trade with Mexico, with exports from the island outweighing imports by a big margin, ambassador Federico Salas Lotfe told a round table media conference recently at Kingsbury Hotel Colombo.
A senior career diplomat, the ambassador presented his credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and also met Prime Minister Dinesh Gunewardena, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and Trade Minister Nalin Fernando.
Ambassador Salas Lotfe added: ‘At present Sri Lanka is going through a major economic crisis and we will promote people- to- people contact with Mexico, grow existing trade links and look at new avenues for additional products from Mexico and vice versa.
‘Sri Lanka had exported US $ 220 million worth of goods to Mexico in 2021, up 53 per cent, while importing only US $ 13 million, mainly medical equipment.’
Ambassador Salas had met with the Ceylon Chamber Chamber of Commerce and members of the local business community. A two-way exchange of trade delegations and close engagement of trade Chambers of the two countries were planned, he added.
Sri Lanka’s top export to Mexico was cinnamon. In 2021, cinnamon exports were $ 112 million in value and it was an ingredient in the internationally popular Mexican food.
Ambassador Salas planned to have a food promotion in Colombo, with the help of Mohan Pandithage, the Honorary Consul of Mexico in Colombo and also intended to work with the University Grants Commission in granting scholarships to Sri Lankan students to study in his country.
There was also potential to grow tourism between the two countries and Mexico has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Salas added.
Ambassador Salas, who is based in Delhi, got many inquiries about visiting Sri Lanka. During the Covid pandemic about 80 to 90 Mexicans were in Sri Lanka who needed help getting back home, he said.
Mexico also has over two dozen World Heritage Sites dating back to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations as well as Spanish colonial sites. Mexican food itself was an intangible UNESCO designated world heritage.
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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