Business
Capital Maharaja continues expansion streak with the appointment of three CEOs
In a contracting economy, when the country’s leading organisations are consolidating rather than making ambitious expansions, true to the ethos that the Capital Maharaja Group (CMG) has become renowned for, expansion measures are being put in place under the stewardship of the Group’s Chairman, Sashi Rajamahendran. Looking to the next decade, three of CMG’s companies have been entrusted to three industry leaders with proven track records of excellence.
Suneth Kudaliyanage has been appointed CEO of Fox Resorts and Fox Vacations, the leisure arm of CMG, whilst Chandima Athukorala takes over Harcros Chemicals (HCPL), and M Chems, the agrarian sector of CMG, and Ramesh Sonaimuthu will provide leadership to M Entertainments in the Digital Rights Management sphere.
Sunil Kanojia, Group Director/Chief Executive Officer weighing in on this decision says, “I don’t think CMG is a Group like any other in Sri Lanka. We have always been unconventional and bold in our decisions and agile in executing them. Acting now in difficult times means, we will be prepared for the better times when they come.”
Suneth, a veteran in the hospitality industry, is fondly known to be an approachable, self-motivated, and adaptable individual with excellent people management skills. He says, “I don’t simply believe in ‘luck‘. Hard work, commitment and dedication are what makes me stand apart from the rest. I strongly believe in integrity, as it says lot about me as a person. Helping a person in any way possible is my motto”.
Fox Resorts has already built a name for itself as a renowned brand during a short period of time. Suneth says he would like to take this brand to greater heights worldwide, while growing the portfolio of properties in the near future, increasing employee satisfaction and building a hospitality powerhouse in Sri Lanka.
Chandima Athukorala is well aware of how the agriculture industry suffered owing to short-sighted policy measures over the last few years. But he remains unfazed and ready to take on the arduous challenge of supporting the rebuilding of the country’s agricultural economy. He brings to the table decades of experience and is known to be a perfectionist. He says, “I seek accuracy in my work. Therefore, I’m ready to check and amend plans many times over before execution”. He also adds, “I’m always open to receive advice and criticism, be it from a superior officer, a colleague, or junior”.
Detailing his vision for the company, Chandima envisages creating a future for HCPL by adding viable business verticals like seeds, smart agriculture, and urban agriculture projects, which will complement and supplement the existing product range, while maintaining the Group’s business identity.
Meanwhile, Ramesh Sonaimuthu, who brings a wealth of experience from the Indian subcontinental market, takes on steering E Entertainments in a country where scant regard is given to Intellectual Property Rights which are largely flouted with impunity by even major players.
Ramesh envisions Maharaja Entertainment to be a global leader in Sinhalese and Tamil Music and believes that it could become a powerful platform for artistes and creator communities to utilise in order to build successful careers. He seeks to guide the organisation in its mission to be a creative partner which will always promote and support the creative talent of Sri Lanka.
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
