Business
ADB Vice President underscores importance of macroeconomic management and necessary reforms in Sri Lanka
Reaffirms ADB’s support to Sri Lanka’s long-term development agenda
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President Shixin Chen who was in Sri Lanka on a 6-day visit, has underscored the importance of macroeconomic management and necessary reforms for robust and inclusive growth in Sri Lanka.
The ADB Vice-President Shixin Chen met with Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 10 January and commended the government’s rapid vaccination programme and other efforts to speed the country’s socioeconomic recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
During meetings with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Central Bank Governor, Chen underscored the importance of macroeconomic management and necessary reforms for robust and inclusive growth.
“The pandemic has reminded us of the importance of health and that investment in the health sector is critical to ensuring we are able to respond to public needs and emergencies,” said Chen. “ADB is committed to working with the Government of Sri Lanka to continue the vaccination drive and to provide other COVID-19 support, including for the most vulnerable.”
Acknowledging the government’s efforts to address economic challenges, Chen reaffirmed ADB’s support to Sri Lanka’s long-term development agenda.
Along with ADB Secretary Muhammad Ehsan Khan, Chen reviewed preparations for the 55th Annual Meeting of ADB’s Board of Governors to be hosted by Sri Lanka during the first week of May 2022.
Chen travelled to Dambulla to review progress of the ADB-funded Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program. The programme is a key climate change adaptation initiative that will help secure much-needed access to water resources for agriculture, domestic and industrial use, and environmental flows in the North Central, Central, North Western, and Eastern Provinces, thus improving climate resilience and food security, and sustaining rural economic growth.
He also visited Colombo Port and the Port Access Elevated Highway Project, which provides a direct link to the port from the expressway network. Colombo Port received support from ADB to improve container handling capacity and is now one of South Asia’s few deep-water ports strategically linking the key Asia–Europe shipping route.
Chen inspected Sri Lanka’s first microgrid pilot, which can operate in both grid-tied and off-grid modes, at the University of Moratuwa. The project, supported under the Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project, has the potential to be replicated and contribute to a green and climate resilient future.
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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