Business
Arinma Holdings and Green Movement Sri Lanka spearhead mangrove conservation project
A total of 3000 mangrove plants will be replanted in the area of Anaiwasala in the Kalpitiya divisional secretariat and the Anaiwasala grama niladhari area, as part of Arinma Holding’s commitment and support to “upscale livelihoods and biodiversity through community mobilisation and lagoon restoration in the Anaiwasala area in Kalpitiya” project implemented by Green Movement Sri Lanka (GMSL).
This project is an outcome of the memorandum of understanding between Arinma Holdings and GMSL, consistent with the company’s sustainability strategy and commitment to prevent pollution, reduce waste, and consumption of depleting natural resources.
The selected Kalpitiya area along the Puttalam lagoon is one of the most extensive mangrove systems in Sri Lanka. Moreover, this area is also one of the most affected by human interventions caused through the exploitation of mangroves for commercial, industrial, and housing needs predominantly due to the lack of knowledge on the ecological role of mangroves amongst rural communities.
Arinma Holdings will provide funding to implement the project and, by extension, play a part in rehabilitating the ecosystem of this area. By supporting the local community, the initiative will facilitate long-term opportunities for employment as well as education of the communities on how to carry out activities in an environmentally sensitive manner. Furthermore, Arinma Holdings will monitor the progress of the project and support GMSL to build strong partnerships with the local community by creating awareness among selected schools, five identified youth groups, and 20 fishing groups in the Anaiwasala area.
“There is a gross lack of awareness among the public about the economic and ecological importance of mangroves. They facilitate a healthy habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, nursery and breeding ground for birds and fish, provides protection from tsunamis, and prevents soil erosion. Most significantly, the carbon sequestration ability of mangroves makes an immense contribution towards the sustainability of our planet, enhances livelihoods, carbon sinks, and mitigates the impact on climate change and disaster management. We believe the community-based approach to mangrove forestation is the most widely used and most effective. This project is the first of a series of sustainability-related projects we plan to execute across the island in collaboration with GMSL.” Said Harsha Mapagunaratne, Sustainability Lead of Arinma Holdings.
Incorporated in 2007, GMSL is an organisation concerned with environmental conservation, awareness creation and sustainable development, comprised of a consortium of 153 non-governmental, community-based organisations and other group members across the island. GSML is a part of various international networks, including the Asia Pacific Research Network, the Reality of Aid Network, and the Asia Pacific Network for Food Sovereignty. GMSL envisions the achievement of natural resource-based sustainable development through the empowerment of the poorest sections of the population and conservation of the environment, through activities aimed at developing vibrant and sustainable communities across the island.
Incorporated in 2008, the Arinma Holdings group is a climate-resilient infrastructure development conglomerate. Arinma addresses critical environmental, social, and economic imperatives through cutting edge, human-centric infrastructure that meets community aspirations of prosperity, social justice, and sustainability.
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
