Business
Award-winning river cruise operator, AmaWaterways now with Travel Bridge
Travel Bridge Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Expolanka Holdings, the trusted name amongst the local outbound travel agency network, will now introduce upscale river cruise vacations to the discerning Sri Lankan traveller, through AmaWaterways. Building on mutual synergies as a part of the Expolanka Leisure Cluster, this new opportunity comes through the global travel agency network community, Travel Leaders Network International, which assists millions of leisure and business travellers annually as one of the largest sellers of luxury travel, cruises, and tours in the industry.
AmaWaterways has received many prestigious travel industry awards including USA Today’s Readers’ Choice for Best River Cruise Line in 2018 and continues to commandeer a top spot amongst other operators in this category, winning four awards at the 2023 ASTA Global Convention notably for River Cruise Partner of The Year and Supplier Medal of Excellence. It is the only cruise line on Europe’s rivers to be a member of the prestigious international gastronomy organizations La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges and the first river cruise line to have 20 of its European ships receive Green Awards for sustainability.
Raiza Saldin, Head of Sales, and Farah Mannan, Head of Operations, jointly commented on this exciting launch, saying, “Travel Bridge is truly excited to introduce AmaWaterways to the Sri Lankan market. With their award-winning ships, world-class cuisine, and impeccable service, we are confident that this unique way of experiencing destinations will greatly appeal to new and seasoned travellers. One of the key drivers behind the increased demand for river cruises is the hassle-free and seamless travel experience it offers, allowing guests to visit up to five countries during an eight day period and eliminating the need to pack and unpack at every port of call. AmaWaterways’ river cruises visit over 32 countries and guests who opt to reserve their spacious, signature twin balcony staterooms will enjoy spectacular views as they cruise along some of the world’s most famous rivers. AmaWaterways’ full range of luxurious river cruise and land packages will be available for bookings through any local travel agent.”
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
