Business
Preparedness plan in place to protect districts facing tsunami-linked risks
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Fourteen districts that are at risk in the event of a tsunami, should be prepared to deal with it in the event of an emergency, as the tsunami poses the greatest risk of disaster in this country, Director, Disaster Management Center, Sunil Jayaweera said.
The Tri-Forces have been trained and given powers to bring the people to a safe location if a tsunami occurs, he said, adding that he hopes to strengthen the organisation’s abilities, in specific areas, to be prepared for disasters, such as, floods, landslides and tsunamis. Jayaweera was speaking at a media conference organized by the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP), which is the National Chapter of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP).The event was held on Tuesday at JAIC Hilton.
Seventy-seven tsunami towers have been installed in the country, and while these towers were previously operated by satellite technology, the Director said that they are now operated by security officials.
The SLPP is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and functions with the support of the secretariat of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center. SLPP is currently co-chaired by the Disaster Management Centre (government), The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (private sector) and Janathakshan GTE Ltd, representing non-governmental organizations and local civil society organizations.
Jayaweera was raising awareness about tsunami risks and other disaster preparedness and notification methods. The National Disaster Management Plan for 2023-2030 is due to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval soon.
The purpose of it was to strengthening the Emergency Response Capacity of Local Humanitarian Actors in Asia, a project being implemented by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
Jayaweera said a tsunami could hit Sri Lanka from the East, the West, or the South. If such a situation arises, the Disaster Management Centre will take immediate steps to notify the public.
Abnormal animal behaviour and other natural phenomena, such as, the backward movement of the sea, are signs that could signify potentially dangerous situations.
Director –Operations, Janathakshan GTE Ltd., Co-Chair- Gothami Chandraratna, representing civil society organizations said: “If an emergency situation arises we will use text message services, apps, tsunami warning towers, radio communication, faxes, and the Disaster Management Centre website to inform people at the national level and via loudspeakers at the village level.”
She said that the SLPP, via collaboration between partners, improves most arrangements at the national, bilateral and multilateral levels. The initiative also paved the way for recognizing the role of local non- government organizations and private sector organizations, during the national progress review of the 2015-2030 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and in updating of the national disaster management plan.
Chandraratna said that SLPP successfully completed its first operational cycle in July 2019 and in 2020 the second operational cycle was being implemented. It will be completed this month and once the third operational cycle starts it will enhance sustainable projects.
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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