Business
Several projects at HIP’s Industrial Park nearing completion
A number of projects in the Hambantota International Port’s Industrial Park are nearing completion, marking the success of 2022 as the ‘Year of Construction.’ In spite of a certain slowdown during COVID-19, this international industrial park has secured over 40 projects from over 08+ countries and has emerged stronger as ever, adhering to their ‘HIP Speed’ concept to renew construction and meet deadlines.
A plug-and-play, park-in-park facility by Xinji Shenzhen Group will also be completed by the end of the year. The USD$ 15 million facility will provide ‘one stop’ services to light industries. The 2-phase project, being built on 44,194 sq. meters of land, will be ready with its 1st phase of 1,500 sq meters warehouse by end December 2022 and is expected to begin operations by mid 2023.
The first phase of construction on two of the projects will be completed by the end of 2022. The first phase of the 3 million USD$ mega capacity warehouse by INSEE will see completion by February 2023 and move on to 2nd and 3rd phases immediately after. INSEE expects the 17,300 sq. meters in-port warehousing complex to become wholly operational in the second quarter of next year. The warehouse will improve INSEE’s cargo discharging efficiency, resulting in better vessel turnaround times and significant savings in forex.
A covered bonded warehousing facility measuring 50,000 square feet is also being built by Hambantota Port Logistics Services (HLPL). Upon completion, the facility will have a storage capacity of 45,000 metric tons and will mainly be used for local distribution and transshipment of fertiliser. The 5,000 sq m warehouse will not only attract new cargo volumes to HIP, but will also contribute to the port’s goal of becoming a regional hub for bulk cargo.
Another USD$ 300 million tire manufacturing plant by Ceylon Tire Manufacturing and a luxury yacht manufacturing plant by Sea Horse Yachts are also slated for completion in the next few years to come. In addition to the projects at ground level works, HIP projects in operations also includes USD$ 65 million Laugfs Gas terminal, USD$ 5 million Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka operating HIP’s Tank Farm to carry out the business of ship refueling and oil trade in South Asia and Intertek Lanka for operating its field-testing laboratory.
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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