Business
Breaking boundaries with Business to People virtual platform
A game-changer in Sri Lanka’s innovation ecosystem
Business to People (B2P) Virtual Platform was launched on 06th November in Colombo, by the National Innovation Agency (NIA) Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Council (SDC), in the presence of stakeholders representing key government institutions, private sector entities, leading business chambers, international development agencies, research and innovation community and the academia.
This cutting-edge platform is set to transform the landscape for innovators, investors, and industry leaders, fostering collaborations and propelling innovation-driven growth in Sri Lanka.
The B2P platform is a dynamic space that brings together visionaries, investors, and industry pioneers, acting as a vital bridge for networking and growth. It offers a platform for innovators to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, investors to discover promising projects, and industry leaders to engage with forward-thinking innovations. It is expected to break down barriers in communication and facilitate direct interactions between innovators, investors, and industry experts providing a fertile ground for idea exchange and the formation of collaborative partnerships and ultimately opening up growth opportunities for businesses and startups, expanding networks and market opportunities.
Delivering the Welcome Address, Prof.Ajith de Alwis, Chief Innovation Officer of NIA emphasized that the nation will never undergo transformation unless it actively engages in the creation of new things, drawing inspiration from renowned writer Cumaratunga Munidasa, who proclaimed, “The nation which does not create new things will not rise”. Furthermore, he stressed that ignorance of innovations can negatively impact a nation’s growth. Therefore, it is imperative to translate research into tangible economic gains, and the present moment provides a golden opportunity for this endeavor.
Speaking at the event, Chamindry Saparamadu, the Director General of the Sustainable Development Council said that innovation plays a critical role in sustainable development as it can help organizations and governments address the social, economic and environmental challenges facing the world today by finding new and more efficient ways of using resources, reducing waste and pollution and creating sustainable products and services. Ms. Saparamadu further stated that the SDC places great emphasis on promoting sustainable finance innovations as well as inclusive and sustainable businesses for sustainable development in Sri Lanka and that the B2P Platform would complement and contribute to the broader objectives expected to be achieved in these areas.
Discussions have already been initiated with business chambers and others for collaborations and partnerships for linking the inventor with the correct investor, so that the inventions/ research outputs could be commercialized successfully and further open up new horizons as anyone anywhere maybe connected through the B2P Platform.
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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