Business
Beggar menace at traffic lights within Colombo City limits
Following is the text of a letter addressed to the IGP Mr. C.D. Wickramaratne by the Secretary to the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) Mr. Devapriya Hettiarachchi.
Dear Sir,
Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) is the oldest and the largest motoring organization in Sri Lanka established in 1904. We are affiliated to the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) which is the World’s largest Mobility and Tourism Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.
As you know, we are the voice of the motorists and our motto is “Partner in Motoring”.
At present we are indulging in Road Safety Projects under the UN Decade of Action 2021/2030, but, from year 2010, under the UN Decade of Action, we have carried out Road Safety Projects annually with the Assistance of FIA, in order to reduce Road fatalities and Injuries in the country.
There are 15 members in the Executive Committee, including the President and two Vice Presidents, but we have, traditionally, the Head of Police, Surveyor General Department, Road Development Authority, Commissioner of the Colombo Municipal Council and various other Government Institutions, as Ex officio Members of the Executive Committee of the Association. These members are usually invited for the AAC Executive Committee Monthly Meetings as and when they are required to provide expertized knowledge in their field on the respective subjects.
Currently, it has been brought to the notice of the Executive Committee that the subject of the Beggar Menace at the Traffic Lights in the Colombo City Limits has gone from bad to worse resulting in untold difficulties being faced by not only the motorists but also all road users including children. It was reported that these Beggars are a nuisance at the Traffic Lights where they irritate the motorists by banging on the car windscreen or the glasses while creating a traffic congestion. Furthermore, some of the Beggars fall on the bonnet of the vehicle pretending that the motorist had knocked him down and create a scene. We therefore, wish to draw your attention that these unruly behaviors of the Beggars undoubtably has direct effect on the image and culture of the country.
We reiterate that this subject had been taken up with the Police Representatives who attend the monthly meetings of the Executive Committee for well over five years and we find that there had been no effective measures taken to eradicate this troublesome public nuisance.
It was, therefore, decided that we will take this matter to a forum with your representative and draw up a suitable programme which could bring an effective and constructive solution to the beggar menace at the traffic lights, especially within the Colombo City Limits (Zone 1-15).
We are confident that you will give us the necessary support and your expertise on this subject and make the Colombo roads safe for all road users.
We shall let you know the date and time of the meeting for this purpose in due course.
Your kind cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
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.”