Business
Children’s Parliament Sri Lanka 2023-2024, focusing on UN’s SDGs, a success
By Dr. Hemasiri Kuruppu
Schoolchildren in the age range of years 14 to 18 at the rate of two males and a female from each administrative district and 10 participants representing all communities, including marginalized groups in Sri Lanka, graced the grand occasion of the second session of the United Nations-assisted first Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Children’s Parliament in the world, 2023 – 2024. It was ceremonially held at Lanka Ashok Leyland Factory Complex at Panagoda, Homagama on February 16 at 2 pm with the participation of several local and foreign delegates.
It was a very colourful vibrant gathering of youngsters full of vigour and spirit which was a feast to the eyes.
The ceremonial opening of the SDG Children’s Parliament 2023-2024 commenced by observing all the protocols generally followed by the Sri Lankan parliament, including solemnly swearing in of the Speaker, Prime Minister, Alternative Leader, elected with a highly commutative voting system. Parliamentarians were supposed to be of 60 political parties and all were very good speakers, spoke to the point and the majority female participants were very active and behaved very well, giving a good example to our senior parliamentarians.
Manjil Liyanaarachchi from Matara District, student of Rahula College Matara, was elected Speaker of the SDG Children’s Parliament.
He admonished the all parliamentarians to behave in a befitting manner without being an insult to parliamentary democracy, because the entire world is watching, their performance since they cannot afford to emulate their seniors in the Sri Lankan parliament.
Those senior most politicians in parliament did not get an opportunity in their day to study and enlighten themselves on the protocol, behavioural pattern and duties, since there was no mechanism whatsoever or training programs of any nature for them up to update themselves.
Speaker Manjil further said that he proposed to organize an online training school for all members.
Master Kavindu Kanishka was elected the Alternative Leader to give leadership to all parliamentarians having different views on policy matters.Minister of Quality Education Miss Elisha Frazer said that she endorsed the views expressed by the prime minister on universities and would not permit universities to be run like Montessori (Nursery schools).
She said that some teachers in government schools have become a pawn in the hands of politically motivated trade union leaders who don’t have an iota of love for children or humanity and who have a secret agenda of destroying everything that has been built at tremendous sacrifice by honourable teachers who taught in schools two decades ago.
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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