Business
Advancing the agriculture industry with agri entrepreneurship opportunities
Sri Lanka boasts a rich agricultural history and a self-sufficient economy based on agriculture. For centuries, our ancestors depended on sustainable agriculture practices while agriculture remained one of the most important sectors of the economy.
In a country where the majority fared well in agriculture in the past, the population depending on agriculture at present has dropped to around 28% accounting for only 7% contribution to the GDP. These numbers reflect the recent decline in the agriculture industry and demands the need for a quick turnaround in its capacity to develop the country’s economy.
One major concern related to agriculture industry is the dearth in agriculture exports which can be addressed by motivating the farmers to produce value added agriculture exports while discouraging agriculture imports. “The value of agriculture exports as of today is around 20% of total exports which needs to be increased by initiating measures to increase local production and value-added products from crop yields. At present, the average harvest yielded from a paddy hectare is around 4 tonnes which could be maximized to around 9 to 10 Tons with a well-planned mechanism and the right investments. Sri Lanka is enriched with ample resources which are viable for agriculture such as a suitable climate, fertile soil and resources, hence it is a matter of initiating a proper mechanism which creates entrepreneurship opportunities and develop the industry to a level where it can thrive in both global and domestic markets” stated Priyanga Dematawa, Chief Operating Officer of DIMO Agribusinesses.
In this background, it is vital to promote agri entrepreneurship and encourage Sri Lankans, especially the youth, to engage in agri businesses. In promoting agri entrepreneurship, a collective effort is required from all sectors including both the government and private sector stakeholders to ensure that new technology and resources are available and knowledge about new farming techniques is shared among the farmers across the country. Streamlining agriculture through new technologies helps in improving productivity and reducing cost of production which will encourage more people to turn towards agriculture as a business, leaving behind the shadows of the ‘white collar job’ concept. The role of the private sector in developing the agriculture industry is vital with its potential to strengthen the supply and value chains, promote value additions, help in commercial and large-scale production and use new and existing resources to innovate new farming techniques.
“When talking about the role of the private sector, DIMO as a socially responsible corporate, has come to the fore in developing the agriculture industry with their agriculture arm DIMO Agribusinesses, having understood the importance of the agriculture industry for the development of the country’s economy. DIMO Agribusinesses is committed to supporting the industry in multiple ways and is in the process of bringing the latest agri technologies to Sri Lanka, sharing knowledge about sustainable agriculture practices among local farmers, introducing new crop care solutions, seeds, fertilizers, greenhouse farming and micro irrigation systems. DIMO’s Agri Techno parks engage in agriculture research and development, seed production, farmer education and training initiatives to support the growth of the industry.” he added.
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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