Business
Biala at the helm of FTZMA for another term
The General Manager and the Director of ISIN Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Jatinder Biala retained his position as Chairman of the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA) as members voted in favour of extending the term of the current office for another year at the 41st Annual General Meeting held at the Hilton Colombo.
Accordingly, EGM – Tropical Findings (Pvt) Ltd, Dhammika Fernando is also unanimously re-elected as the secretary of the Association while Vice Chairman Hemantha Perera, Managing Director of Isabella (Pvt) Ltd also will continue to serve for another term.
M.H.Z.M.Marzook, Managing Director of Filotex Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, will remain as the Treasurer, are the Executive Committee members.
The former State Minister of Aviation and Development of Export Zones, D.V. Chanaka was the chief guest at the AGM while ILO Country Director Ms. Simrin Singh and Chairman of Board of Investment of Sri Lanka Raja Edirisuriya were the guests of honour.
FTZMA is the leading Association representing the foreign direct investors in the various export processing zones in Sri Lanka. Since it commenced its operation from Katunayake Free Trade Zone over 40 years ago, the Association has been representing the foreign direct investments, expanding their presence to all Free Trade Zones in Sri Lanka.
In his statement after the re-election, Chairman Biala said: “FTZMA’s role in Sri Lanka’s export industry is well recognized for its pro-active and forward-looking actions during the difficult situation the country is in today. Our membership spans some of the most prominent and major industrial groups in Sri Lanka.”
“Over the last four decades, we have addressed the issues relating to the various aspects of business faced by the member enterprises by liaising with BOI and other state agencies such as Customs, Central Bank and Ports Authority etc. As a leading association we take utmost care of our employees whilst looking after the interests of the investors, at the same time we ensure that the operations of the enterprises are carried out without any hindrance with the close support of the BOI During pandemic period our association has taken various steps to help the health and law enforcement authorities to overcome various challenges whilst sustaining the interests of our investors and our employees. During this period we have contributed to promote foreign direct investments,” Biala added.
“FTZMA strongly believe that our country will be able recover from the current difficult economic situation faced by our members and the present Government would formulate policies and take action in the right direction to foster the socio-economic progress of Sri Lanka and will bring back confidence of all investors,” the Chairman said.
The Association ensures that continuous and smooth operation of the activities and most importantly sustain the industry by satisfying the Investor. Issues brought up by members are being dealt with efficiently by creating a conducive environment with officials of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and all stake holders.
“During the pandemic in last year, an Intermediate Care Centre (ICC) established by Association in collaboration with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and our member Crystal Martin Ceylon Pvt Ltd (CMPL) was very successful and helped immensely for the wellbeing of employees & staff of all BOI companies. This unmatched act was appreciated by all stakeholders. The Association is once again thankful to CMPL, BOI, NYSC, their member enterprises, Health Ministry, Doctors, Medical staff and all those who have contributed for their perpetual support to make this a reality We are also happy to note that the Website launched by us last year for the benefit of our members is very successful and very much useful to most of our members and outsiders. We will continuously update it with all activities and whatever data that could be updated for the benefit of the Association and its members,” Chairman Biala added.
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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