Business
Anti-COVID ‘Stay Strong’ campaign
Under the “Stay Strong” campaign, Korea and Sri Lanka have been strengthening Anti-COIVD collaboration with each other. The Korean embassy in Sri Lanka has shown its thankfulness to the Sri Lanka Army and Police who have dedicated themselves to protect people in Sri Lanka including the Korean residents amid Covid-19, by donating re-usable fabric masks. The embassy provided masks to migrant workers who left for Korea as well. These re-usable masks were manufactured by a Sri Lankan social enterprise which empowers Sri Lankan women. Together with it, KOICA distributed these re-usable masks among rural communities in Sri Lanka to uplift the public health among communities.
It is noteworthy to observe the effective measures implemented by the government of Sri Lanka to cope with COVID-19. Sri Lanka was the first South Asian country which held a nationwide general election safely last August since the COVID-19 outbreak. With the proactive mechanism adopted by the authorities and also the support of the citizens, it is certain that the number of infection cases in Sri Lanka will decline and the situation will be stabilised in the near future. The people of Sri Lanka have played a significant role in controlling the pandemic by keeping social distancing and following health guidelines diligently.
Korea is struggling to deter the spread of COVID-19 too. Korea has overcome the critical stage of the spread of the virus by strengthening its infectious disease surveillance and response capacity. The principles of openness and transparency were applied when enforcing counter measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The response of the government of Korea was four-pronged: testing, tracing, treating and building civic awareness. Like Sri Lanka, Korea was the first country in the world that held a nationwide general election safely last April since the outbreak of the virus. It is remarkable that there was no single COVID-19 case from more than 1200 Sri Lankan workers repatriated from Korea until now. At this point of time, 23,000 Sri Lankan workers live in Korea very safely.
Korea and Sri Lanka are true friends to each other. Korea will stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka in this hour of need to provide public health support this year to successfully combat the battle against COVID-19.
Let’s Stay Strong Together!
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.”