Business
CIPE and COSMI assist communities displaced by Southern Expressway
By Ifham Nizam
Through a pilot advocacy initiative funded by the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the Confederation of Micro Small and Medium Industries (COSMI) reached out to help the local community overcome the current crisis, through a novel advocacy initiative to assist those among it displaced by large -scale infrastructure (LSI) projects.
The intervention sought to assist the ‘Kaludodol’ community (KC) to find a better and permanent location to sell their products.
Working with the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) and the Hambantota District Kaludodol Entrepreneurs’ Welfare Association (HDKEWA), COSMI sought the attention of public sector institutions and local Members of Parliament to establish a permanent place of trade for KC, either at the Highway entrance or at a suitable rest area along it.
Some 250 families live in a tiny town in Hambantota called Girapaththuva engaged in the home-based ‘Hambantota Kaludodol’ industry. They depend solely on the ‘Kaludodol’ industry for a livelihood and indirectly employ about 2500 through their supply chain.
However, with the Southern Expressway extension offering motorists a much faster option of travel to the South, KC has been dealt a death blow. The coastal road is now almost devoid of long-distance travelers and KC’s revenue has plummeted by more than half. The community occupies the current premises on a permit and those whose livelihoods depend on the industry are in a very vulnerable situation.
“Left in the hands of the public authorities, the solution itself does not seem mind-boggling. However, contrary to the abundance of enthusiasm shown by governments and their respective oppositions, there is no urgency at political level to give the community the break they deserve—the break they have been waiting for, since the Tsunami 18 years ago, said Deshabandu Macky Hashim, chairman, COSMI Governing Council.
“The CIPE-COSMI LSI pilot projects ended in July, but our advocacy effort is still ongoing. In addition, we are also helping the ‘Dodol’ community to expand their market reach at regional and international level, said Nawaz Rajabdeen, COSMI president, who is taking a personal interest in trying to help the community regain some of their revenue. Many individuals and organizations have come forward to show their interest and private orders are being placed for 1-2 kg of ‘Kaludodol’ by eager customers based in Australia and Canada.
“The ‘Dodol’ community has been more or less ‘homeless’ for some time. And they have been running from pillar to post to find a permanent place to do business. There are two fundamental issues here: the drop in revenue due to the traffic diversion by the Expressway and the lack of ownership of their business premises. We want to help them achieve both goals, Rajabdeen stated.
“Ownership of the enterprise is a fundamental entrepreneurial requirement, which allows planning for the future and ensures sustainability. The ambiguity of ownership is a major obstacle to making any future plans. In addition, relocation means many direct and hidden costs, including the cost of recommencement which is substantial. As micro- and small-scale businesses, these costs are simply unviable for the ‘Dodol’ community, he added.
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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