Business
A magical blue sapphire to conserve the majestic sperm whale
* CJS & Oceanswell write third chapter in Ocean Blues Series
* First two collections in series celebrated the Blue Whale, Dolphin
* Proceeds from Ocean Blues Collection supports Oceanswell research projects
They are truly magnificent, possess a subtle elegance and add unique splendor to the multiple hues of blues in the oceans around us. These unparalleled vignettes of the sperm whale, the world’s largest toothed whale is captured in the beauty of a dazzling pendant, handcrafted by CJS to celebrate World Oceans Day this year.
Designed in silver with a blue sapphire eye meant to capture the magic of this magnificent mammal, the limited-edition Sperm Whale pendant of just one hundred pieces, heralds the third in the iconic CJS Ocean Blues series.
It was in 2019 that wildlife and marine conservation enthusiast CEO of CJS Akram Cassim first began his design journey into marine conservation collaborating with Dr Asha De Vos, the founder of Oceanswell, Sri Lanka’s first marine conservation research and education organization. The first in the Ocean Blues series focused on the conservation of the blue whale in the collection titled, ‘Love for the Blue Whale’.
Thereafter, being passionate about continuing awareness on marine conservation, Cassim used the CJS flair for artisan design and graceful chic with an ode to the dolphin launched on World Oceans Day 2021. Each customer who purchased one of those ninety-nine limited edition pendants also received a personalised message from Dr Asha De Vos.
This love for the ocean prompted Cassim to seek out the beauty of the magnificent but endangered sperm whale, proclaiming the debut of the Sperm Whale collection, a collaboration with Oceanswell now in its third year. All proceeds from sales of this limited-edition collection will be donated to Dr Asha De Vos for her Marine Conservation Work. “Besides being the largest of the toothed whales, sperm whales also have the largest brain of any creature known to have lived on earth,” stated Dr Asha De Vos. “Oceanswell and I are delighted to be collaborating with CJS once more. This is an incredible way to celebrate such a magnificent creature. It is wonderful to see a premier brand like CJS shining the much-needed spotlight on conservation and in doing so, setting a positive example for all Sri Lankan businesses.”
Stating that Asha is a truly inspirational Sri Lankan, Cassim said, “CJS is delighted to continue this collaboration with Oceanswell and it was fun designing this Sperm Whale Pendant with Asha. Asha and Oceanswell are up against tremendous odds, with unprecedented challenges facing the oceans and the spectacular creatures that inhabit these oceans. As citizens of this paradise island which is home to truly mesmerising natural beauty, we have a responsibility to lead positive change, ensuring that the natural beauty we have been gifted will last for future generations. By owning one of these limited-edition designer pieces, you can be part of that change,” he urged.
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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