Business
Cargills Food City opens its 500th outlet, affirms its commitment to revitalise local economy
* Sources fresh fruits and vegetables from a network of over 5,000 farmers
* Contributes over 14% of the national milk production
* Expanding network generates thousands of livelihood opportunities
by Sanath Nanayakkare
The home-grown Sri Lankan brand, Cargills Food City, marked another milestone yesterday with the opening of its 500th retail outlet in Akuregoda, Pelawatte.
The unveiling of the large retail outlet was attended by Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe (chief guest), Deputy Chairman of Cargills Group, Ranjit Page and a host of distinguished guests representing both public and private sectors.
Notably, a book illustrating the Company’s bold and dynamic 39-year journey was presented to the Central Bank Governor at the event.
By benchmarking itself against international supermarkets, Cargills FoodCity has set the bar high for others that follow in its footsteps, while its success served to attract more investors into the sector.
Being present in all 25 districts, Cargills Food City has introduced the supermarket experience to all Sri Lankans, beyond urban and beyond elite class.
To date, Cargills is the only supermarket to operate in the North and East being a sustenance for all Sri Lankans, offering the lowest prices in the country.
Cargills Early Childhood Education Programme has positively impacted over 8,000 children, giving them a stable foundation for their future.
The company recently stepped up its humanitarian efforts with their Community Meals Programme initiated in partnership with the Lasallian Community Education Services. This programme has already delivered over 3,300 nourishing meals to people in underprivileged urban areas.
Cargills Food City has encouraged entrepreneurship across the country by showcasing local brands, many of whom have up-scaled their businesses and are confident about the company’s backing. The Company has supported many small and medium enterprises and has helped them create new categories with innovations.
It ensures that the freshest and most hygienic products adhere to the highest quality benchmarks. Through this strategy, Cargills Food City has been able to support SMEs, which are the backbone of the economy.
A World Bank study also revealed that farmers working in the Cargills supply chain receive a higher price for their efforts, leading to its customers receiving a lower price. The Gates’ Foundation also declared Cargills’ value proposition being a model worth emulating, shining a light on efforts on a global scale.
Today, Cargills is the single largest collector of fresh produce, sourcing fresh fruits and vegetables from a network of over 5,000 farmers and contributes over 4% of the national production in fruits and vegetables – a percentage that continues to grow. It is also the largest collector of fresh milk in Sri Lanka and contributes over 14% of the national milk production. The company is also a leading contributor to the livestock, poultry and animal husbandry sectors.
This outlet expansion has extended direct and indirect employment to hundreds of youth and exposed employees from all districts across the country to good practices in food and nutrition.
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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