Business
Bsl’s Biodiversity Project Ranking Scheme
Measuring effectiveness efficiency and sustainability of conservation-related projects
The corporate sector of Sri Lanka is a key partner in terms of delivering actions that contribute towards the country’s achievement of targets and commitments made to the international community via international conventions and agreements. Although there are numerous conservation actions and projects being implemented across the island by private sector entities, their effectiveness and actual contribution towards the purpose is rarely measured and/or monitored, BioDiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) said in a news release announcing measures to address this need.
“In order to address this lacuna, BSL conceived the idea of developing a Biodiversity Projects Ranking Scheme, a mechanism through which the effectiveness and efficiency of such projects can be analyzed and measured for improvement,” it said.
“The Biodiversity Projects Ranking Scheme is a system which could be applied to a number and variety of conservation-related projects with ease, to identify gaps, realize potential for improvement and finally also to be awarded with a ranking which is helpful in understanding the success of the project in terms of seven key areas which contribute to the holistic success of same. The scheme also ultimately endeavours to ensure that private sector-led biodiversity conservation projects, support national biodiversity conservation efforts and are aligned with national priorities and sustainable practices.”
It explained that the key areas being looked at with regard to the improvement of design and implementation of such projects are, Alignment with Policies and Priorities, Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Outcomes, Sustainability and Creativity.
The ranking is carried out by a panel appointed by BSL, selected from its Auditor Bank, consisting of eminent scientists in the country, based on the relevant expertise required for the specific project being evaluated. BSL has pilot tested and refined this scheme to enable it to be used not only as a means of ranking projects nearing completion or are at their final stages, but also to be used in project design, BSL said.
“Companies have applied this scheme to their projects and yielded valuable information, insights and advice on how to improve, change course and/or ensure sustainability post project completion. “
On completion of project evaluation, the projects receive a unique ranking symbolized by ‘leaves’ counting from one (lowest) to five (highest), along with exclusive access to use the BSL Biodiversity Project Ranking Scheme logo in appropriate visibility material being generated by the company supporting/implementing the project.
“Additionally, if the company requires technical assistance to further improve the project, BSL offers the necessary technical expertise, through BSL’s Technical Resource Bank. The BSL Biodiversity Project Ranking Scheme is open for adoption by any company in Sri Lanka and can be accessed through an inquiry made to the BSL Secretariat,” the release said.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
