Business
‘Inspiring Young Minds’
From Yesterday
The second proven method of inspiring young minds is by exemplary life. Rev. Bro. Joseph Fonseka taught us Catholicism in grade 10. One day he made a non-binding but thought-provoking statement. “Some follow these teachings, and some do not.” “To what faction do I fall?”, I contemplated. “The man believed in a way of life, and he practiced it with vigor, not swayed by popular opinion. I must follow what he teaches.” The example was simple but powerful. It made me strive for the mission given to me, independent of public opinion. I think India is what it is today due to the supreme examples set by the likes of Gandhi. If an exemplary life can change the course of a county, it certainly can inspire a person. However, as setting the example is passive in the eyes of the youngster, the effect may take time. However, eventually, understanding will dawn.
Third, we must be joyful to be able to inspire young minds. Irrespective of experiencing delight or pain, deep with the spirit, a person can be joyful. This is a mystery, and it is contagious. The youngster that sees the joyful teacher, despite his or her own agonies, draws close. Minds connect. The very base traits that resulted in the joyfulness get induced in the young mind. There is a professor of finest caliber, who travels to the university by bus, wears simple cloths, but much learned. He always wears a smile and radiates joy, and I was attracted. “Ranga, do not lean you ladder against the wrong wall.” In other words, “know your metrics. Do not take short cuts.” I am partially successful as a researcher, inspired by this simple but joyful man. He delivered a talk last Friday and mentioned about me being inspired by that very sentence. He and I knew each other. A sentence, a word, a mere look from a joyful man can inspire a young mind.
Maris Stella College led by Marist Brothers has inspired young minds for a century. As soon as I enter through the gates of the College a miraculous quietness enters the mind. The noise of the world no longer hinders reflective thinking: it is a place for minds to be inspired. Walking along the clean road, with well-maintained lawns on the right, I come close to the chapel. When I lift my eyes, I see the statue of the Lord with the inscription underneath “All for Jesus through Mary”. Then I meet a reverend brothers, to be greeted using my name. I have received one-on-one guidance at Maris Stella College. Rays of light form the humble and loving lives of Marist Bothers illuminate my mind. They have been exemplary beacons of light. Similes, happiness, peace, and most of all inner joy are the characteristics of Marist life. These colossal figures define the metrics of life. Maris Stella College has been inspiring the minds of you, me, and many, for a century. We are indebted to the College, Reverend Brothers, and teachers. Maris Stella continues to show us the way each step of our life.
What then is our mission in inspiring young minds in the spirit of Maris Stella College? Let’s know that inspiring young minds is key to renewing the world. Let’s gently guide the youngsters to shun away from noise that harm our reflective thinking. Let’s adopt and teach to adopt correct metrics in life. Let’s have mentees and provide one-on-one guidance. Though our exemplary lives, lets continue to be beacons of light to the youngsters. All these, let’s do with a smile on our faces, i.e., with full of joy. Then we will be the generation that inspires young minds as Maris Stella has been doing for a century. Maris Stella, Star of the Ocean, “Show us the Way”. Iter Para Tutum!
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
