Business
Baurs Toastmasters Club incepted to develop next generational leaders
With the view of building and instilling effective communication and leadership competencies among its employees, A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd., also known as Baurs, a leader with diversified business interests in the country, recently incepted the Baurs Toastmasters Club (BTC) and held an installation ceremony of its Executive Committee.
The event held at Hotel Kingsbury on 29th April commenced by lighting the traditional oil lamp, graced by Chief Guest, the Managing Director/CEO of Baurs Mr. Rolf Blaser and Guest of Honor District Director DTM Srianthie Salgado, with the presence of the board members of Baurs and distinguished officials from District 82 Toastmasters International including DTM Shyamalie Jayasekera, President of The Colombo Toastmasters Club.
Mr. Rolf Blaser, speaking at the ceremony, said ‘It is truly a remarkable moment to be witnessing the installation of the Baurs Toastmasters Club. This is a steppingstone towards a journey which will see many of our members being effective communicators and leaders and most importantly to share their learning with others and contribute to the communities they serve.’
Baurs is no stranger to Toastmasters International, having engaged in various Speechcraft programs across its many divisions over the years, with the guidance rendered by the Colombo Toastmasters Club.
These programs have undoubtedly created an impactful experience, enabling many employees gain skills and confidence in developing their public speaking abilities and a wide array of communication etiquettes including written and impromptu speeches, body language, active listening, and critical evaluation. The learning experience was highly interactive with continuous guidance and constructive feedbacks from the experienced Toastmasters.
The event inducted the Charter Members of BTC by the Communication Chair of District 82 DTM Sarmaa Mahalingam, and Area Director Toastmaster Vinodini Durgabakshi went onto conduct the installation of the BTC EXCO members.
The appointees elect Toastmasters to the EXCO include President Rasika Amarasinghe (Manager, Administration), VP Education Harshi Wijendra (Senior Executive, Learning & Development), VP Public Relations Madushan Alwis (Product Manager, Baurs Healthcare Division representing Roche Biotech), VP Membership Tashiya Wijeyakulasuriya (Executive Office Coordinator), Secretary Chathurini Kariyawasam (PA to Deputy MD/Director-Agriculture), Treasurer Dilshan Warusamana (Assistant Accountant), and Sergeant at arms Deepika Ramaraj (Administration Executive).
This historical event marks yet another historical moment for the Baurs family, in a year where it celebrates 125 years of progressive growth and innovation. This reflects the company’s continued efforts in not just embracing an inclusive and diverse workplace but also creating a stimulating environment that spurs individual growth and personal development at its best.
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.”
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