Business
Browns Hotels & Resorts celebrates World Tourism Day with an insightful forum
World Tourism Day, celebrated globally on September 27th, serves as a reminder of the pivotal role tourism plays in fostering economic growth, cultural exchange and environmental preservation. In commemoration of World Tourism Day, Browns Hotels & Resorts, a leading name in Sri Lankan hospitality, hosted a thought-provoking forum at their renowned coastal retreat, Thaala Bentota. The event brought together distinguished industry experts to deliberate on “Tourism and Green Investments,” the global theme for 2023 and explore how Sri Lanka can nurture young talent in hospitality and embrace sustainable tourism.
Browns Hotels & Resorts, known for their commitment to sustainability, took this opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue to inspire action for the future of tourism in Sri Lanka. The panel discussion was moderated by Dinushka Chandrasena, Editor in Chief of Travel Talk Asia Magazine and Director of Operations of Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance.
“Tourism can only be considered truly sustainable if it generates income and decent employment, stimulates trade and linkages, and respects and protects our natural and cultural environment. Here in Sri Lanka, tourism is arguably the strongest sector in our economy today, with arrivals of tourists and earnings escalating consistently. At the same time, the sector provides tens of thousands of jobs and fuels numerous other sectors such as; agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and entertainment. Nurturing talent in hospitality is a long-term task that requires continuous efforts.” Shirantha Peiris, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management, emphasised at the forum.
Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, Country Head of Clootrack Software Labs for Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan and former Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lanka Export Development Board, as one of the key panelists in the forum said, “Given that food security is a key challenge in Sri Lanka, the tourism policymakers must do carrying capacity studies before agreeing on Tourism arrival targets for the next five years or have a concurrent robust SME development agenda.”
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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