Business
Coca-Cola clocks 60 Years in Sri Lanka
USD 99 mn. Investment in last 20 years
Coca-Cola’s journey in Sri Lanka began 60 years ago in April 1961 when consumers tasted their first ice-cold sip of Coca-Cola from a 300-millilitre glass bottle, the company said in an anniversary statement.
“By establishing its footprint in Sri Lanka, Coca-Cola has invested in the future of its business, demonstrating long-term commitment, while adding economic value to the country. The Coca-Cola system has invested US$99 million in Sri Lanka over the past two decades and created thousands of jobs directly and indirectly.” it said.
Through this evolution, for 60 years, Coca-Cola has silently broken new ground with impactful environmental and social projects that deliver enduring value to the nation, refreshing communities by making a difference.
“Coca-Cola’s vision is to craft the brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and Kinley to refresh people and create a more sustainable business and better shared future that makes a difference in people’s lives, communities and our planet. The company is continuously evolving to cater to consumers better and is now providing more convenient packages, innovating, and introducing new lower and no-sugar drinks,” it said.
To celebrate its 60th anniversary in Sri Lanka, Coca-Cola recently took the initiative to spread positivity with the ‘60 Days of Kindness’ radio campaign to reward people in need and celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to spread kindness and compassion.
Recording its 60th year in Sri Lanka for posterity, 12 local artists have been commissioned to design Coca-Cola bottles three feet tall. Each artist has been given a theme central to Coca-Cola and once complete, the pieces of art will be auctioned for charitable causes, the release said.
“Reflecting on its enriching journey, Coca-Cola can take pride in having built close community ties, achieving growth and expansion of its beverages portfolio, and embarking on impactful sustainability initiatives,” it said.
“In its ‘Give Back Life’ campaign, Coca-Cola is on a journey towards collecting and recycling the equivalent of every bottle it sells to achieve PET plastic neutrality in Sri Lanka, while through its water stewardship project of rehabilitating three ancient water reservoirs in Anuradhapura and Monaragala, the company has achieved 203% water positivity.”
“Today, as the country faces the ongoing challenge of COVID-19, Coca-Cola committed LKR 130 Mn towards the COVID-19 response in 2020 and has further pledged LKR 45 Mn in 2021 to support those on the frontlines. No matter the crises the nation has faced, Coca-Cola has always endeavoured to stand in solidarity with the people in Sri Lanka.,” the statement concluded.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”