Business
Browns Heavy Machinery joins hands with Maga Engineering to strengthen Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development
The Heavy Machinery arm of Browns Group recently joined hands with Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd by providing ten units of TATA Hitachi 220LC Excavators to power the development of the Ruwanpura Expressway. The product handover ceremony was graced by the presence of the senior management of both companies, including Sanakan Thamotharampillai, Group Chief Operating Officer/Financial Officer, Browns and Piyadasa Madarasinghe, Chief Executive Director, Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd.
Powered by Japanese technology, TATA Hitachi epitomises the synergy between two giants in the construction industry—TATA and Hitachi. With its rugged structure, fuel efficient design and remarkable performance, TATA Hitachi is perfect for the operational conditions in Sri Lanka. A testament to the brand’s superior performance, TATA Hitachi has been recognised as a Super Brand in India multiple times.
Construction and physical infrastructure are among the largest sectors of the Sri Lankan economy. Some of the structures under construction in Sri Lanka are the region’s largest and best. In collaboration with the world’s leading brands such as Hitachi, Sakai, Hitachi, Sumitomo, Mahindra, and Okada, Browns Heavy Machinery provides an unmatched range of heavy machinery reputed for trusted technology, advanced functionality, versatility and energy efficiency. Browns Heavy Machinery is well ahead of the competition with its acclaimed 24-hour support service, highly-trained and experienced technical team and its state-of-the-art service facilities. Browns is the Sri Lankan home for many leading global brands as building global brands into local market dominance is a skill Browns has mastered over one-and-a-half-centuries.
The total distance of the Ruwanpura Expressway from Kahathuduwa to Pelmadulla is 73.9km and the first phase of the proposed section is 24.3km. The total project has been awarded to Maga Engineering and the estimated cost of the project is Rs.54.7 billion. The first phase of the road is scheduled to be completed within 36 months (by 2024). The Proposed Ruwanpura Expressway from Kahathuduwa to Pelmadulla via Ratnapura is connecting the Western Province with Sabaragmauwa. The first phase will be divided into four sections and the design speed of this phase will be 110km/h. Moreover, it will be a four-lane two-way expressway.
Commenting about the partnership, Sanakan Thamotharampillai, Group Chief Operating Officer/Financial Officer, Browns stated, “Browns provides a wide array of heavy machinery and tools from renowned brands around the world. We always ensure that our customers receive a fast and reliable aftersales service as we aim to inculcate long-term partnerships. Browns maintains sufficient stocks of machines, spare parts and accessories — despite various challenges in the external environment — to cater to the growing demand.
Sharing his thoughts, G.V.S.K. Kumarasiri, Director – Highways and Bridges, Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd said, “Choosing Browns to supply TATA Hitachi 220LC excavators is a wise decision. A clear reflection of the proven performance of TATA Hitachi, the aforementioned machines are very efficient and well facilitate the development of the Ruwanpura Expressway. Moreover, we are delighted with the aftersales service provided by Browns as well.”
Browns is one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerates, which manages a fast-growing and valuable portfolio of brands across several key industry sectors, such as power generation, agriculture and plantation, pharmaceuticals, investments, marine and manufacturing, as well as leisure. (Browns)
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.”