Business
Brandix Manusathkara University Scholarship Programme aimed at encouraging high performers of A/L examinations
Against the backdrop of higher education becoming more challenging for Sri Lankan communities as the nation faces an economic downturn, leading Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer Brandix Apparel Ltd. has stepped up to address this national need with the launch of a timely scholarship initiative.
Titled ‘Manusathkara University Scholarship’, Brandix has launched this programme with the intention of providing high performers of Advanced Level Examinations with the opportunity to pursue their higher education and strengthen their personal and professional development.
During the first phase of the programme’s implementation, scholarships will be extended to students from schools within ‘Model Villages’, who have been selected to State Universities as a result of excelling at their Advanced Level examinations. Model Villages is a concept developed by Brandix that aims to support the wellbeing of communities within a 10km radius of the company’s facilities.It is expected that the Scholarship Programme will immensely contribute toward bolstering the future workforce of Sri Lanka as they ready themselves to face future challenges and compete in the dynamic job market of tomorrow.
So far, 18 students have been awarded scholarships under this programme. These students have since completed Orientation and English pre-academic programmes. Their lectures have now commenced in virtual and physical modes at eight universities across the country including University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Colombo, University of Kelaniya, University of Moratuwa, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Eastern University of Sri Lanka, University of Peradeniya and the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
The first recipient of the Brandix Manusathkara Scholarship was K. Akshika in 2021, who was presented with a scholarship to support her as she received her tertiary education at the University of Colombo, Faculty of Technology. Akshika was ranked 2nd in the island and 1st in the Batticaloa District in the Bio Systems Technology stream at the 2019 G.C.E Advanced Level (A/L) examinations.
“In living our purpose every day, Brandix is committed to providing inspired solutions to all our stakeholders. This has helped us build a framework that allows us to make an impact beyond the business, and across our communities and planet. With our social sustainability efforts anchored to the pillars of Provide, Educate and Engage, the ‘Manusathkara University Scholarship’ is the next milestone in supporting aspiring youth of Sri Lanka to ensure the continuity of their education despite challenges they may face,” said Malika Samaraweera, Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Brandix Apparel.
Malika further added, “A significant portion of students in Sri Lanka qualifying for State universities have always faced varying obstacles as they pursue their higher education, which in turn impacts their employability and career progression. Given the current economic conditions, we’ve identified that such obstacles are more frequent. We hope that the ‘Manusathkara University Scholarship’ will offer peace of mind to top performers, which comes from knowing they can continue their higher education unimpeded.”
As one of Sri Lanka’s most responsible corporate entities, facilitating continuous education and the pursuit of individual aspirations is an important element of Brandix’s CSR and HR strategies, which are aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 04 of Quality Education.
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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