Business
Commonwealth scholars from Sri Lanka receive a warm welcome
The British Council hosted a networking event to welcome the recent batch of Sri Lankan Commonwealth Scholars returning from the UK recently. Commonwealth Scholarships are offered to citizens and permanent residents of a Commonwealth country with a record of academic achievement and the potential to make a positive impact in their home country.
The 2021/2022 cohort of scholars spanned a gamut of subject areas including International Commercial Law, Public Policy, Wild Animal Health, Translation Studies, Exercise Science and Physical Rehabilitation (with a special interest in rehabilitation after amputation) and Economics.
The event was held in Colombo with the attendance of Sarah Hulton, the British High Commissioner for Sri Lanka and Maldives; Orlando Edwards, Country Director, British Council, Sri Lanka; officials from the Ministry of Education (Higher Education section), Commonwealth Scholars from Sri Lanka over the years and British Council staff.
“Since its inception, almost 1,100 Sri Lankans out of a total of over 30,000 global scholars have received the opportunity to study in prestigious universities in the UK under the Commonwealth scholarship scheme, demonstrating the strength of UK and Sri Lankan ties,” said Orlando Edwards, Country Director, British Council, Sri Lanka.
“Out of these scholars, many have gone on to achieve great things. Alumni include prime ministers, cabinet ministers, Nobel Prize winners, academics, diplomats, writers and leaders in major NGOs and businesses. In that respect, Sri Lanka also excels – previous alumni have achieved the highest status in their chosen fields in Sri Lanka. Returning scholars have gone on to be a Central Bank Governor, Bank Chairpersons, Vice Chancellors of universities, Chair of the University Grants Commission and much more,” noted Edwards speaking at the event.
The 2022 returnees shared their experiences as scholars, speaking candidly about their application process, choice of subject, learnings at university, and their experiences studying in the UK. Many spoke about the new knowledge and specialisations they received in their varied subjects and shared their short term and long term plans about how they hope to apply their new learnings. The event culminated with plans for future alumni activities and a vibrant networking session.
Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). They are offered under six development themes: Science and technology for development, strengthening health systems and capacity, promoting global prosperity, strengthening global peace, security and governance, strengthening resilience and response to crises and access, inclusion and opportunity. While there is no restriction to subject choice, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission gives priority to applicants whose studies are most relevant to their development criteria.
Commonwealth scholars are a part of a global alumni community of over 30,000 individuals who have advanced social change and made their mark in fields such as healthcare, marine conservation, technology and more.
The Commonwealth Scholarship scheme is aimed at talented students from across the Commonwealth who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK. Sri Lankans can avail of a series of scholarships from the Commonwealth Foundations including PhD Scholarships, Split-site Scholarships, Master’s Scholarships, Shared Scholarships, Distance Learning Scholarships, Medical Fellowships and Professional Fellowships.
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
