Business
AIMGSL hosts first CEOs’ Breakfast Forum: Setting Sights on EU Markets
The Association of International Marketing Graduates in Sri Lanka (AIMGSL) hosted the first AIMG CEOs’ Breakfast Forum on February 02, 2022, at Earls Court, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, welcoming the Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives – Denis Chaibi as the keynote speaker, and CEO, Dilmah Tea – Dilhan Fernando, and CEO, Brandix Apparel Solutions Limited – Rajiv Malalasekera as guest speakers at the forum.
The event welcomed over 100 participants with the presence of Ambassadors of Australia and France for a knowledge sharing session on the topic of ‘Setting Sights on EU Markets’, where Denis Chaibi shared in-depth knowledge and insights into the new rules and regulations of the EU Markets, what support the EU can extend to Sri Lanka particularly with regard to support in technology and machinery for relevant businesses, such as fisheries, the importance of Renewable Energy, how SME exporters can improve exports to the EU and what imports can benefit Sri Lanka from the EU.
In his welcome address, Chairman, Association of International Marketing Graduates in Sri Lanka – Sujith Silva stated: “On behalf of the Association of International Marketing Graduates, I extend a warm welcome to all of you. It is a great pleasure to have all of you with us. This is a key opportunity for corporate CEOs and marketers to gain keen insights into foreign markets as you look to expand beyond Sri Lanka’s shores. The aim of this programme is to further enlighten our members and industry leaders on potential opportunities for growth that will not only benefit each individual and brand but also aid in the upliftment of Sri Lanka’s economy. I wish you all a meaningful and enriching programme.”
Speaking at the event, keynote speaker – Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Denis Chaibi commented “The point I would like to focus on is the risk factor when setting sights on the EU market and the importance of risk analysis before you even start to market your product. This by far may be your most crucial step. As we all know, the EU massively regulates their trade, policies, etc, more so than any other territory or nation. The EU is an environment comprised of so many moving pieces that strict regulation is integral to its survival. This is due to the Philosophical-Legal construct of the systems, where the EU prepares to preemptively pan for envisioned scenarios, as opposed to waiting for market changes or present situations. How is this done? Well, we have 30,000 officials based in Brussels, whose core job is to assess and regulate so as to support the EU market and strengthen it. A prime example is with Cyber Environments/ Markets which posed and still poses a lot of challenges for many markets – but the EU was the first one to come up with solutions for this and to manage the expectations and regulate the market so both can grow together. These regulations then trickle down and create a knock-on effect on the entities and nations that do business with the EU. For example with ‘The EU Strategy for Sustainable Textiles’, which was part of the ‘EU Circular Economy Action Plan in 2020 – there are three [03] new requirements on packaging and packaging waste, which means that for the textile industry, you need data on how you’re going to source your components as well as what happens to this once it is sold.
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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