Business
Baurs share short term solutions for Sri Lanka’s organic agriculture conversion
A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd., widely known as Baurs, a diversified business group and one of the pioneering innovators in agriculture in Sri Lanka, recently shared preliminary key insights and solutions for the country’s farming industry to successfully master the conversion from conventional to organic, backed by scientific evidence and sound knowledge drawing from both professional and practical experiences.
A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd (Baurs), together with its contracted institutions namely Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL), in their findings upon their study visit suggested necessary steps for the country to embrace a successful transition from conventional to an organic production system within a short period of time.
The report highlighted that the conversion to an agricultural system without using synthetic fertilizers cannot function by just replacing mineral fertilizers with organic fertilizers, citing the fact that there needs to be sufficient organic fertilizers, including the importance of reactivating soils biologically as the current soil-plant system, accustomed to mineral fertilizers, is not adapted to digest and use them. Additionally, it also mentioned that larger quantities of raw materials need to be transported and spread in fields.
It stressed that the ecological conversion to an organic one requires a holistic change of concept, which will take several years including efforts towards capacity development. However, given the immediate ban in the country it recommended that farmers be provided with options for soil fertility management without synthetic fertilizers for the ongoing Maha season.
As the first step, it recommended large amounts of organic fertilizers be organized by importing such products and begin capitalizing on natural sources of nitrogen. Parallelly, potential sources of organic remains, such as waste from the food industry and markets and remains from the animal industry for instance, must be identified and explored in ways to valorize them as organic fertilizers. And that such recycling will also close nutrient cycles, contributing to a positive environmental impact.
Compost should play a crucial role especially in its role to activate soil biology and its contribution to stabilize soil structure which in turn brings numerous benefits, citing that quality composts can also reduce the incidence of plant diseases.
Secondly, it suggested a new holistic management towards agricultural production be undertaken which requires more time, supported by relevant skills and knowledge. Crop rotations or mixed cropping techniques, soil fertility management and selecting crop varieties that are appropriate for organic production are important tasks to act upon, all of which will result in an efficient and sustainable system in the long term.
Baurs is actively engaging with the team of senior experts from FiBL and HAFL who are also coordinating their efforts together with other relevant organisations, with the view of continuously studying the country’s ecological landscape and provide the best scientific and practical solutions and knowledge to embrace the transition challenge.
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
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