Business
A growing global footprint: Sierra Cables expands to Maldives
Sierra Cables PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering cable manufacturers, recently entered into a strategic partnership with ASK Holdings, a key supplier of hardware, construction and electrical engineering products and services in the Maldives. The new collaboration between the two will further enhance the distribution, availability of high-quality products and market presence of Sierra Cables in Maldives while contributing to the ongoing development and growth of the region’s infrastructure in keeping with the company’s growing global footprint.
Sierra Cables currently fulfils orders from Sri Lanka for client projects and retail stockists in the Maldives. With this, the company has recognised the need for an improved and structured approach in order to maximise its sales presence in the Maldivian market and the collaboration with ASK Holdings is a significant step in strengthening Sierra Cables’ overseas marketing strategy.
With its network of showrooms across the Maldives, ASK Holdings has and continues to be a vital contributor towards Sierra Cables’ sales. In addition, Brown & Company PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s most diversified and leading conglomerates, of which Sierra Cables is a subsidiary under Browns Investments, the investment arm of the LOLC Group, plans to explore future collaboration opportunities with ASK Holdings.
Over the years, Sierra Cables has carved a reputation in the design, development, manufacture, marketing and distribution of copper and aluminium cable products. Serving a diverse range of sectors spanning energy, industrial, speciality and communications markets in Sri Lanka and beyond, today, the company has expanded its reach to Asia, Eastern Europe, Australia, North America and various regions across Africa. This market penetration has been attributed to Sierra Cables’ ability to obtain the most stringent international certifications and its advanced manufacturing facilities in several global locations along with the presence of a dedicated marketing team in the Maldives as well.
The agreement between Sierra Cables PLC and ASK Holdings Private Limited was signed on the 28th of May 2024 by Sunjeevani Kotakadeniya, Non-Executive Director Sierra Cables PLC/Group Chief Financial Officer LOLC Holdings and Zain Hassan, Managing Director ASK Holdings Private Limited, to establish a joint venture named, Browns Electric Company (Pvt) Ltd. The new entity will synergise the strengths of both in order to solidify its presence further in the Maldivian market and beyond.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”