Business
SMR Consolidated wins Bronze Award at 30th NCE Annual Export Awards 2022
SMR Consolidated (Sena Mills and Refineries Pvt Ltd), Sri Lanka’s premier manufacturer, refiner, and exporter of edible oils and fats, was recognized for its commitment to quality and excellence, at the 30th NCE Annual Export Awards 2022, with the Company winning the Bronze Award. The Award was presented to SMR Consolidated at the NCE Annual Export Awards Ceremony 2022, which was held on the 2nd of December at Shangri-La Hotel nd was accepted on behalf of the Company by Amal Indrajith Chief Executive Officer of SMR Consolidated.
Expressing pleasure at receiving the accolade, Dimantha Nanayakkara Head of Strategic Business Development at SMR Consolidated said, “It’s an honour and privilege to have been recognized by such an esteemed body. From early on, we’ve been committed to quality and excellence, which ultimately saw our products being much sought-after in export markets. Today, in many markets, we are considered the best for quality, and this is something we strive every day to ensure. Since our humble beginnings in the 1960s, as a small coconut oil mill, we have been on a sustained and consistent journey of growth and expansion, furthering our ventures into the manufacture and refining of edible oils. In 1997, we set up our own edible oil refinery, equipped with the first continuous physical edible oil refining facility in Sri Lanka, and since then we have been leading the industry in quality. We take this opportunity to thank the awarding body and our customers globally for their faith and trust in our products.”
The Annual Export Awards is organized by the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) of Sri Lanka and is deigned to recognize and reward outstanding performances amongst Sri Lanka’s exporters. The awards are presented after a stringent, strict and comprehensive evaluation of the applications by an independent panel of judges. The evaluation criteria include financial performance over the preceding 3 years, export performance, value addition, foreign exchange earnings, effective management, branding, and research and development.
SMR Consolidated’s commitment to quality has also earned it various coveted food safety and quality certifications including BRC, FSSC 22000, ISO, SEDEX, SMETA, FAIRTRADE Organic, Kosher and others. In 2022, the Company marked a significant milestone with its export products reaching over 35 countries across 6 continents, for the first time.
As a community-focused, people-centric and sustainable business, SMR Consolidated creates value for Sri Lankans in many ways, apart from high-quality products. As a locally-owned and grown business, SMR Consolidated always strives to create value for its communities, presently directly employing almost 1,000 individuals and creating indirect economic opportunities for over 5,000 people, helping over 6,000 rural families thrive. SMR Consolidated is also helping to create a positive image for the brand Sri Lanka, through its products in global markets.
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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