Business
ADB partners with JKH to boost food value chains and farm livelihoods in Sri Lanka
Will invest up to LKR equivalent of $80 million
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) entered into an agreement to invest up to $80 million (in Sri Lanka rupee equivalent) in John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) to boost the country’s food value chain and promote economic growth and job creation.
The investment will be a two-phase private placement to support the expansion of JKH’s modern retail and distribution infrastructure as part of a multibusiness corporate capital expenditure program, through an initial investment of $50 million with an option to subscribe for additional new shares of up to $30 million within 12 months. The financing will come equally from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and from Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund (LEAP), which will be administered by ADB.
“The project represents a significant equity investment supporting the growth of a leading company,” said Deputy Director General of ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department Christopher Thieme. “ADB’s investment comes at a critical stage of the country’s recovery efforts and will provide a much-needed boost through a large foreign direct investment that will spur investor confidence in Sri Lanka.”
The investment will support the expansion of the group’s modern retail and distribution businesses, including the construction and equipping of new supermarkets and the setting up of state-of-the-art distribution logistics centers. The investment will strengthen value chain linkages for farmers supplying to markets and enhance food security and safety for consumers.
The equity investment will be accompanied with technical assistance funded by the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia (CFPS) to train 2,000 fruit and vegetable farmers in climate resilience and organic farming, both critical priorities for the country’s agriculture.
“The transaction is fully aligned with the strategic priorities of the partnership between Sri Lanka and ADB, which highlights the importance of developing our rural areas and the impact of private sector development,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Chen Chen.
“We are delighted to partner with ADB with this investment in to JKH. JKH will leverage on ADB’s technical expertise and advisory support to enhance and further strengthen our environmental, social, and governance processes and frameworks,” said JKH Chairman Krishan Balendra. “We believe that partnering with an internationally reputed financial institution, such as ADB, particularly at this juncture of time, is a vote of confidence for JKH and the country.”
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
