Business
AIA’s national safety initiative, the Poson Safety Programme continues for 27th year
AIA Insurance will continue its commitment towards one of Sri Lanka’s longest standing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, the AIA Poson Safety Programme for the 27th year, this Poson. Held across three days, in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Mihintale, the programme facilitates 500 lifeguards across 22 reservoirs and lakes to ensure that pilgrims are safe when they bathe in the bodies of water.
Specially in this year of challenge, it is anticipated that Sri Lankans will feel a stronger need to engage in the powerful religious activities associated with Poson, to pray for our motherland. Therefore, the expectation is that a large crowd of pilgrims will gather together in these sacred locations to engage in powerful religious activities, despite the current country situation.
With its abundance of lakes and reservoirs in the North Central Province, these reservoirs overflow during Poson, with not just water but with religious devotees from all over the country to bathe in these reservoirs to beat the heat and to cleanse themselves before making the pilgrimage to the “Udamaluwa”. With that in mind, AIA was determined to continue its societal endeavours to conduct the lifesaving programme and be there to protect those pilgrims.
Chathuri Munaweera, AIA’s Chief Executive Officer said, “This programme has become such a nationally relevant initiative since 1993 and over the years we have saved over 200 lives…someone’s spouse, someone’s child, someone’s parent…a family’s breadwinner…every life saved was so precious. That is why we are committed to carrying out the project this year, despite the current economic challenges, because we want to be there for Sri Lankans when they need us the most, not just in good times but especially during difficult times too.”
Following an unfortunate death in 1992, and being concerned about the safety of pilgrims, AIA pursued a solution to prevent the loss of lives due to drowning during Poson. So, in 1993, AIA together with the Sri Lanka Life Saving Association, the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Police launched the Poson Safety Programme with the intention of putting a stop to the senseless loss of lives by drowning.
AIA will not only facilitate the presence of lifeguards around the lakes and reservoirs but also mark warning signs around the areas on where it is dangerous and safe to bathe. AIA will also educate and create awareness on the dangers of drowning through displays, signboards, hoardings, and pennants across the Anuradhapura District to encourage pilgrims to be cautious. AIA has further launched a campaign across social media to encourage pilgrims to be careful and alert when bathing in lakes or reservoirs.
As the Best Life Insurance Company in Sri Lanka (awarded by Capital Finance International, 2021) and The Brand Market Leader in Sri Lanka (awarded by Thought Leaders International, 2021), AIA is an internationally recognised, local brand that is firmly rooted in the needs and protection of the Sri Lankan people. The AIA Poson Safety Programme is another such initiative where AIA’s commitment to national causes materializes while solidifying the company’s commitment to helping Sri Lankans live healthier, longer, better lives.
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
