Business
‘Agri Deshiya’ re-imagines the use of Kithul sap to tap export destinations
rāgā, an innovative line of organic, kithul-based products was launched by Agri Deshiya (Pvt.) Ltd. – a local company committed to elevating Sri Lanka through value-added agricultural products of Sri Lankan origin to international fame.
The official launch took place on the 14th of December at the opening of the Agri Deshiya factory, which was inaugurated by Minister of Industries, Wimal Weerawansa in the presence of Minister of Coconut, Kithul and Palmyrah Cultivation Promotion, Arundika Fernando and the Agri Deshiya management.
The new facility located at the Nalanda Ellawala Industrial Zone, Ratnapura is equipped with state-of-the-art brewing and canning technologies, enabling rāgā products to revolutionise one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved yet, severely under-utilised foods: Kithul.
“We are extremely proud of the fact that, through rāgā, we have not just reimagined the potential of our island nation’s underappreciated agro-resources such as Kithul, but we have also paved the way for the traditional, village level Kithul tapping trade to become an internationally recognised industry. As an organisation that is built on the principles of people care, earth care and fair share, we have considered all aspects of the value chain including the improvement of financial benefits for rural communities to enhance their way of life, and thereby benefitting Sri Lanka as a whole,” said Prabath De Alwis, Chairman of Agri Deshiya (Pvt.) Ltd.
Driven by local innovation, sustainability and ethical production, all rāgā products are 100% natural, with no added preservatives. The technology partner, Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) has played a critical role in providing pioneering and unique technologies that have been incorporated at each step of the production process. These advanced mechanisms, including the first ever Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution for the collection of Kithul sap in Sri Lanka, has been put in place to ensure premium quality in every product.
The entire factory is also backed by internationally recognised standards such as ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management System, GMP and HACCP, in addition to the continuous quality testing conducted in-house. To find out more about rāgā and its revolutionary products, please visit www.ragaceylon.lk.
Bringing the best of nature to Sri Lanka and the world, Agri Deshiya Pvt Ltd, founded in 2019, utilises ethical methods in technological agriculture to enhance the industry within the agro-based economy. Through new technologies and care for people and the earth, the Company aims to enhance the country’s economy and develop an agriculturally sustainable future, through the unique raw materials found in the rich soil of the island. The company operates with a desire to elevate Sri Lanka to its highest level of productivity through sustainable utilisation of its natural resources, while providing benefits for all parties involved in the unique and innovative production process. Please visit www.agrideshiya.com or email info@agrideshiya.com for more information.
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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