Business
Asia’s largest virtual 3-day ‘Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2021’ concludes
Asia’s first and largest 3-day virtual investment conference, Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2021 (SLIF 2021), concluded successfully on June 9th. The Forum was a joint initiative of the Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and the Colombo Stock Exchange, in collaboration with Microsoft as the Technology Partner. It facilitated 4,870 online registrations from 85 countries simultaneously and seamlessly.
The Forum was supported by Microsoft through its local Gold Partner Impact IT Solutions who developed the website and event platform: www.invest-srilanka.lk. The platform showcased features such as online registration of participants, connecting with live events, scheduling of B2B meetings between investors and exhibitors, registration for sessions, event management, technical support and discussion facilitation throughout the 118 sessions featuring 108 international and local resource personnel. It was conceptualised and developed by Impact IT using Microsoft technologies integrated with Microsoft Teams.
“As a Microsoft Gold Partner, IMPACT IT is proud to have designed and developed the website and event platform by utilizing Microsoft Technologies to host the largest virtual investment forum in Asia,” said Shameera Prajapriya, CEO of Impact IT.
“IMPACT IT is a Microsoft Gold Partner recognized for their commitment to solidifying customer relationships by offering innovative and effective business solutions to their customers. By succesfully implementing Microsoft Teams’ social and collaborative features into their website and event platform, the company was able to stream rich content of significant value to current and potential investors on behalf of Sri Lanka,” said Hasitha Abeywardena, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Microsoft.
Addressing the gathering as the Keynote Speaker, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa expressed his vision for growth in Sri Lanka to reach a per capita income of USD 8,000 within the current decade. He also encouraged local and foreign investors to seize the country’s opportunities and leverage its strategic location, being situated in the Indian Ocean, crossing the main shipping and airline routes, and being the gateway to South Asia. The Forum closed positively with investors expressing keen interest in Sri Lanka’s investment and growth potential across multiple sectors in the future.
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.”


