Business
‘All the good in the world’ this season
Premier hospitality chain, Aitken Spence Hotels, celebrates this festive season with a unique campaign aimed at paying tribute to “All the good in the world”. This year’s theme is inspired by the silver linings that have truly made a difference in the world today, amidst the disruptive events that unravelled since March 2020.
Curated around the ethos of ‘giving back’ and ‘sharing’ – two essential components that illustrates the heart of the festive season – the hospitality arm of the Group has created a range of activities that reiterates the spirit of Christmas, across its hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka, Maldives, India and Oman.
Close to home, Closer to heart
Under this overarching theme, the domestic campaign “Close to home, Closer to heart” reaches out to those travelling with a purpose. Encouraging guests to spend their holidays in a space that feels like home – close to their own residences, and closer yet to the heart at Aitken Spence Hotels, Sri Lanka. Belonging to the chain of Hotels; Heritance Kandalama, Heritance Negombo, Heritance Ahungalla, Heritance Tea Factory, Turyaa Kalutara, Amethyst Resort Passikudah, Bandarawela Hotel and, Earl’s Regency and Earl’s Regent in Kandy – promises a rewarding experience, welcoming all to partake in a holiday that goes beyond just another vacation.
Taking on ‘a season of giving’, Aitken Spence Hotels Sri Lanka has pledged 1% of their turnover between 1 Dec 2020 and 15 January 2021 to purchase school supplies for children in and around the locality of the resorts in Sri Lanka. The Group also encourages guests to partake in this endeavor by choosing Aitken Spence Hotels as their home away from home this December and further contribute to the cause by donating to Spence Evoluzione Charitable Trust, which will further facilitate the cause.
Celebrating the brave hearts
In appreciation of the hard work and dedication of the local military and healthcare professionals, the hospitality group has also extended special discounts up to 58% under its ‘brave heart’ celebratory drive. Bookable during the month of December, the national heroes can enjoy a relaxing holiday at its resorts –– from January to March 2021.
Love from Yonder
Not forgetting the families who are kept apart from their loved ones due to the pandemic, the group has also made available bespoke and pre-made hampers as well as share meal platters that can be ordered online and delivered to the doors of their near and dear. With a range of sweet and savory treats, unique hampers including local sweetmeat hampers ideal for the new year and an array of pre-planned meals for families of six to eight, the Group’s Heritance Hotels and Resorts are going all out in promoting a season of sharing, carefully crafted by their team of award-winning chefs.
Tying in with the overall domestic campaign of “Close to home, Closer to heart” the lineup of treats include those closer to our palettes with new and innovative twists – such as billing chutney, rhubarb jam and a localised hamper with traditional favourites. Made in line with the Group’s sustainable and community development, ingredients are also largely, locally sourced.
A season like no other
Speaking of this incredible spin on the season of festivities, Stasshani Jayawardena, Aitken Spence PLC Director, Head of Tourism and Leisure, and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements, noted that the theme came naturally given its longstanding commitment to empower and inspire. “From the inception, Aitken Spence Hotels is known to have led the way for greater things within the industry. From sustainability to F&B to community engagement, we have always been at the forefront.
The values and traditions that envelope us as a company is based on a premise of appreciation. Whilst it is easy to delve on the negative connotations based on the black swan event that has interrupted our lives as we knew it, we take this as an opportunity to appreciate and provide for those in need.”
She added; “We are grateful to all our patrons and partners who chose to stay, dine, celebrate and work with us in the past months. This is our way of paying it forward.”
Trendsetters in the industry, Aitken Spence Hotels hold a special place in the hearts of many, built on trust and loyalty over the years. With seasonal activities planned at all their properties to create a relaxing and stress-free holiday, they also maintain heightened health and safety practices, in line with local and international healthcare standards.
To be a part of a unique season and for more information, log on to www.aitkenspence.com or www.heritancehotelsandresorts.com
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”