Business
AAC delegates meet State Minister of Transport

On an invitation by Lasantha Alagiyawanna, State Minister for Transport, delegates of the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC), comprising Dhammika Attygalle (President), Keerthi Gunawardane(Vice President), Piyankara Jayaratne (Vice Patron) and Devapriya Hettiarachchi (Secretary), met at the State Ministry of Transport at D.R. Wijewardane Mawatha on July 12.
The purpose of the discussion was to ascertain the kinds of services and facilities provided by the Association, besides the Association’s future plans regarding road safety projects. The Association provided a power point presentation of their facilities and services and said that they are the voice of motorists and that their motto is “Partner in Motoring”.
The Association emphasized that they are party to the UN Decade of Action 2010-2020, extended over the period, 2021-2030, and that they annually conduct at least one or two road safety projects.
The road safety projects are inclusive of workshops and seminars, not only for motorists but for all other road users, including schoolchildren.
The State Minister then suggested that the Association could provide a Road Map to the ministry in regard to future road safety projects the Association hopes to undertake.
The State Minister also pointed out that at present data regarding road accidents, fatalities and injuries are collected by the Police Department, insurance companies, the Road Development Authority, Department of Motor Traffic and the National Road Safety Council, but there is no consistency in such data-gathering and there is no guarantee of the accuracy of this data. He therefore inquired whether the Association could develop a software for this purpose so that accurate data could be gathered.
The State Minister said that the Department of Motor Traffic intends to extend its services and that there is a proposal to establish a counter at the Katunayake International Air Port arrival terminal to issue temporary driving licences to foreigners to enable them to drive in Sri Lanka. He extended an invitation to the Association to combine their operations with those of the Department.
The State Minister further inquired whether the AAC wishes to change the Incorporation Act of 1957. But Association delegates did not want to give up their identity as the Association’s incorporation is state recognized.
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.”