Business
Changing the World One Speech at a Time with Sri Lanka Model United Nations
By Nimaya Nanayakkara
Being the largest Model United Nations conference in Sri Lanka, we are back and ready for our 16th year in action. This year we hope to emulate our theme of ‘Changing the World, One Speech at a Time’ by providing the youth of Sri Lanka with a platform for their voices to be heard and allow them to develop their sense of diplomacy and negotiating skills.
We believe that the youth of this generation have what it takes to come up with feasible solutions to issues that are being debated around the world, by allowing them to debate on a vast array of pressing topics and finally draw solutions to issues that plague our world, all while following the strict procedure and structure of the United Nations. We know that the skills developed at SLMUN will be carried on into the real world, thereby quite literally changing the world one speech at a time.
This year we have a range of different UN as well as non-UN committees that cater to the interests of both novice and experienced delegates.
The 16th session of SLMUN will see special organisations such as the War Cabinet (WC) and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in order to broaden the spectrum of the model UN. Additionally, for all football enthusiasts we have The Fédération Internationale De Football Association (FIFA) at the conference this year.
Apart from these committees we also have The World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the African Union (AU).
Amidst the delegates representing different nations, SLMUN also provides budding journalists an opportunity to enhance their writing skills by allowing them to assume the roles of correspondents for a variety of international news agencies including the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Cable News Network (CNN), Al Jazeera, Agence France-Presse (AFP), Russia Today (RT) and China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Sri Lanka Model United Nations extends beyond just a conference; we have created a community of like-minded individuals with the common goal of encouraging youth activism and diplomacy. Apart from the 2-day conference we also carry out activities such as regional workshops in different areas of the country including Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Batticaloa and this year we intend on widening our reach even further.
Our newly introduced campaign ‘Beyond SLMUN’ focuses on extending our impact on society beyond committee sessions. Several community service projects will be completed through this campaign that was previously limited to social media amidst the pandemic and other crises.
The 16th Session of SLMUN will be held on the 26th and 27th of August, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. Registrations are already underway, with Priority Registrations closing on the 17th of June. Late Registrations will extend till the 31st of July.
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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