Business
CEBEU calls for wide-ranging, transparent consultations to redraft Electricity Act
By Ifham Nizam
Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU) has called for the assistance of the Minister of Finance, Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy, the IMF, ADB, World Bank, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to redraft the Electricity Act with absolute transparency.
The CEBEU addressing Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said recently: `As you are well aware through the various communications we had with you, during the recent past, including the limited physical discussions, the CEBEU as the major professional stakeholder employee trade union in CEB, has been actively engaging in and appearing for the need for reform in the power sector in Sri Lanka, including a substantial restructuring of CEB.
Meanwhile, a senior spokesperson of the CEBEU told The Island Financial Review: ‘As a professional trade union, CEBEU has expressed our genuine enthusiasm for a truthful restructuring of the power sector in Sri Lanka including CEB, through which a significant number of issues in the Sri Lankan power sector could be resolved. Also, we wish to emphasize that restructuring CEB only would not solve every problem in the power sector, including key issues, such as high electricity cost, policy inconsistency and politicization and truly independent sector regulation. CEBEU strongly believes that a proper reform process would not materialize without a coherent consultation with the key stakeholders, including the engineers of the CEB and specialists of the power sector.
‘The CEBEU has also told the minister that the Union reconfirms its stance that it unconditionally stands with the 23,000+ CEB employees, as they appeal for genuine belief. It wishes to safeguard the power sector of the country by appealing to the government to listen to its concerns regarding this new Act and to implement an open transparent stakeholder consultation process before finalizing the proposed draft Act.
‘We wish to reiterate that restructuring CEB only would not serve the purpose and a holistic reform approach involving a systematic policy review based on critical vulnerabilities is needed and only by doing so, that sustainable solutions could be achieved. CEBEU has repeatedly requested the authorities, including the Minister of Power and Energy on several occasions, to create a platform to discuss matters related to the reform process in detail. The Reform Office is the ideal platform for these purposes.
‘The draft Bill was not shared with any party until its publication on December 8, 2023. Further, CEBEU has explained that the secretive manner in which the sector reforms are being tried, will eventually lead to a lack of trust in reforms and result in the failure of the process.
‘Unfortunately, it appears that what the CEBEU has repeatedly pointed out about the lack of trust among employees has become a reality today.
‘This would not have happened if the Ministry of Power had taken the necessary steps to make this reform process transparent and trustworthy among employees of CEB and other stakeholders of the sector, by creating an open transparent platform in drafting this new legislation which affects all citizens of the country and by establishing a grievance redress mechanism for the employees of the CEB.’
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
