Business
Nestlé Lanka invests in a biomass boiler project at its Kurunegala factory
Continuing its journey of doing good for Sri Lanka, Nestlé Lanka is furthering its investment in the country despite volatilities, with its strong focus on sustainability. Accordingly, the ‘Good food, Good life’ company will be investing over Rs. 1 billion in a biomass boiler project at its state-of-the-art factory in Kurunegala, which will contribute significantly towards the company’s endeavour of achieving net zero emissions across the value chain by 2050. Planned to begin mid-2023, this investment project will be conducted under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) agreement with Thermax Energy & Environment Lanka (Private) Limited.
Nestlé strongly believes in conducting its operations sustainably in a manner which positively impacts not only people, but also the planet. Towards this end, the company has in place a comprehensive roadmap spanning across the entire value chain from farm to end-of-shelf-life, towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2025 and 50% by 2030, ultimately achieving net zero emissions by 2050. As such, the construction of this biomass boiler is a significant milestone in Nestlé’s sustainability journey in Sri Lanka, resulting in an approximate 37% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in manufacturing.
Having started its operations in 1984, today, Nestlé Lanka’s Kurunegala factory manufactures over 90% of Nestlé products sold in the country. Standing by the country and its people for over 115 years, the company has become an integral part of Sri Lankan lives and contributes to the livelihoods of more than 25,000 Sri Lankan dairy and coconut farmers and out-growers and provides direct employment to over 800. Over the years, Nestlé Lanka has consistently invested in the country and just last year, the company invested over Rs. 2 billion in a new Vacuum Band Dryer aimed at expanding the capacity of its manufacturing facility for malted food, i.e., Nestlé Nestomalt and Nestlé Milo.
A press conference was held on 9 February 2023 to announce the investment with the participation of Minister of Industries and Plantations, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana; Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Dominik Furgler along with officials from Nestlé Lanka, including Managing Director, Jason Avanceña, and Managing Director – Designate, Bernhard Stefan.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Industries and Plantations, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said “During this unprecedented time of economic volatility, it is a pleasure to witness Nestlé Lanka consistently investing in the country, especially in green energy. Investments such as this is not only imperative for sustainable economic recovery, but also for a better tomorrow for our future generations.”
“It gives me immense pride to lead by example and embark on this project, which would result in a significant positive impact to the planet. I’m also delighted to note that, this project would help us reduce foreign currency outflow with the reduced use of fossil fuel in our operations. Staying true to our purpose of ‘Unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’ we will work together with fellow Sri Lankans as we progress in our ambition of achieving net zero emissions by 2050” said Jason Avanceña, Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka.
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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