Business
Rotary Colombo joins hands with NCCP to fight breast cancer through early detection and prevention
October is designated as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’, worldwide. Cancer ranks among the three leading Non Communicable Diseases (NCD)in Sri Lanka and is on the rise with over 15,000-20,000 new cases detected every year. Breast cancer has the highest incidence among all cancers and is the leading cancer among females in Sri Lanka.
16 years ago, the Rotary Club of Colombo, launched their life saving project in partnership with the National Cancer Control Programme, for free screening and early detection of cancer, with a focus on early detection of breast cancer which accounts for over 25% of all cancers in Sri Lanka. According to studies, 30-40% of cancers can be prevented, and another one third cured with screening, early detection and timely follow up treatment. This would mean saving several thousand lives every year. Todate almost 80000 individuals , mainly women , have been screened, with over 18000 showing abnormalities requiring further investigation- these are all cases which may otherwise have gone undetected until the late stages where the chances of being saved would then be greatly reduced.
The Centre operates a comprehensive cancer screening facility complete with a mammography machine and ultra sound scanner donated by the Rotary Club of Birmingham Alabama, USA. A radiographer is also available at the Centre to operate this facility. Cervical cancer is screened through a HPV/DNA testing machine funded by The Rotary Foundation USA. The Centre is presently seeking a donor for a colposcopy machine to replace the existing machine used for diagnostic screening of cervical cancer which has the second highest incidence of cancers in females. The Centre also operates an oral cancer screening unit for detection of oral cancer, in view of this cancer having the highest incidence among males.
Education and awareness building activities are also carried out by a Health Education Unit in the Centre, aimed at early detection through screening and the prevention of cancer through healthy life style. This is supported by a mobile screening unit operating islandwide. Meanwhile counselling is also undertaken for those cases diagnosed positive.
The Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Centre is presently the only national facility dedicated for screening, early detection and prevention of cancer, offering its services entirely free of charge to the public.The Centre is supported by leading telecommunication provider and Corporate Partner Dialog Axiata PLC.
Due to the rapidly rising numbers seeking screening, as well as the need to expand and upgrade the present screening facilities, the Rotary Club of Colombo requires to relocate the Centre in a permanent, more spacious building in the same area, now well known for cancer screening and which provides easy access and visibility to those coming from near and far to seek the services of this life saving facility. This is presently a pressing and urgent priority for the project.
Once a new building is in place, the numbers screened and lives saved through early detection and prevention activities, could be greatly increased. Meanwhile the Club, together with NCCP, extended breast cancer screening and early detection facilities 4 years ago, to the outlying regions commencing with a Breast Cancer Early Detection Unit at Kurunegala Teaching Hospital with equipment funded by The Rotary Foundation. This will enable the community in that area and surrounding regions, particularly the less privileged, to have greater accessibility to this life saving service.
Contact details as follows:
Tel : 0113159227
Email – cedc. nccp@gmail.com
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”