Business
Ceylinco Life presents Rs 22 million in new ‘Pranama’ Scholarships
One hundred and fifty two young Sri Lankans identified as potential leaders of tomorrow received more than Rs 22 million in scholarships from Ceylinco Life recently at the 22nd edition of the life insurance market leader’s ‘Pranama’ scholarships presentation, an event at which their future duty to help build the country was emphasized, a Ceylinco news release said.
A noteworthy feature of this year’s ceremony was the voluntary doubling of the value of the ‘Pranama’ scholarships by Ceylinco Life in recognition of the escalating costs of education and the impacts of the economic crisis on the cost of living, it said.
Delivering the keynote address as Chief Guest, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo Senior Professor H. D. Karunaratne focused on the importance of skills development, language proficiency, ICT literacy and financial literacy as essential tools to face the challenges of the future.
Professor Karunaratne urged students, their parents and their teachers to understand the value of proficiency in English and at least one other international language in addition to the mother tongue, the need to be masters of the “smart part” of smartphones, the need to be literate in how to earn, use, save, invest and grow with money, and the importance of networking skills to master coordination and collaboration to work as groups instead of individuals. He also emphasized the importance of extracurricular activities to the development of team spirit, and for a balanced life.
Ceylinco Life’s Director/Chief Operating Officer Mr Ranga Abeynayake urged scholarship recipients to think about the last two lines on the Pranama song which contain a pledge that as they develop as individuals, they will build the country. Pointing out that a 10-year-old who received a Pranama scholarship at the inaugural presentation 22 years ago would now be 32 years old, Mr Abeynayake posed the questions: “But is he or she here in Sri Lanka? Are they building our country or helping build another country?”
With many past Pranama scholarship recipients now successfully employed as doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants and in other professions, one objective of Ceylinco Life’s Pranama scholarships programme to inspire future leaders has been met, he said. “But we also want to build generations that love our country,” Mr Abeynayake stressed, and advised scholarship recipients to go overseas for higher education if they must, but to return to Sri Lanka and do what previous generations have failed to do, to build the country.
Ceylinco Life presented Pranama scholarships to 25 students who excelled at the 2022 Year five scholarship examination, to 25 students who excelled at the 2021 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination,
to 25 students placed first in their districts at the 2021 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, and to 66 students placed second, third, and fourth in their districts at this same public exam. Additionally, Merit Awards were presented to young Sri Lankans who have excelled at the national or international level in sports, art, drama, invention or the creative fields.
With this round of ‘Pranama’ Scholarships, Ceylinco Life’s investment in the programme reaches Rs 200 million, and has benefited 3,186 students, 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.”
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