Business
Citi joins Manudam Mehewara by Dialog, MAS, Hemas & CBL
Citi recently joined forces with the ‘Manudam Mehewara’ programme initiated by Dialog Axiata PLC, MAS Holdings, Hemas Holdings PLC, CBL Group, Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, and PwC Sri Lanka, in a mission to provide emergency relief to the most vulnerable communities across the country impacted by the ongoing economic crisis.
Joining hands with like-minded partners including its execution partner Sarvodaya and accountability partner PwC Sri Lanka, the ‘Manudam Mehewara’ initiative funded by Dialog, MAS, Hemas, CBL, and Citi aims to provide emergency relief to more than 200,000 vulnerable families across the country. Emergency relief is currently being distributed across all 25 districts, where over 10,000 families in need have been assisted to date. The Manudam Mehewara programme will conduct its relief efforts for 60 – 90 days until a sustainable benefit transfer system is established in the country through an effective economic recovery plan.
Commenting, Ravin Basnayake, Managing Director/Citi Country Officer-Sri Lanka said, “The impact of the current unprecedented financial crisis is felt acutely across the country and the struggles are more than ever. With rising food prices, food assistance for the adversely affected has never been more vital. This is why Citi decided to join forces with the humanitarian effort ‘Manudam Meherawa’. We recognise our responsibility and believe that it is time for like-minded corporates to work together in collaboration to ease the burden on our people. I also would like to thank our corporate partners and Sarvodaya for initiating this project and letting us be a part of this much-needed and timely initiative”.
Expressing his views on the new partnership, Hong Zhou Wong, Group Chief Financial Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC stated “On behalf of all the partners, I would like to thank Citi for joining us in this humanitarian effort. To date, we have distributed emergency relief to over 10,000 vulnerable families impacted by the current crisis. We aim to do more and reach 200,000. We call upon more like-minded corporate partners to join us in taking this cause forward. We need to work together to help alleviate strain on our people and as the widest network in Sri Lanka with a subscriber base of over 17 million, we see ourselves responsible for supporting the families across Sri Lanka in this hour of need.”
Manudam Mehewara invites all Corporates to join this effort and help expand the Emergency Relief distribution operations.
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
