Business
Colombo Port operations continue without any hindrance
Message from the chairman; Sri Lanka Ports Authority
I take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to all those who contribute to the continuation of efficient and reliable operations of all ports of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority ( SLPA) and all terminals operating in the Port of Colombo and elsewhere in the country during this challenging period. All of your services are equally important.
It is a commonly accepted fact by now that the Covid-19 pandemic spreads around the globe have posed challenges to the active function of the global supply chain. Consequently, supplying the daily needs of the public to ensure the safety and well-being of all was challenged. But, we all worked tirelessly to overcome the challenges we faced and to fulfil the responsibilities and duties of our part of the global supply chain. As a result of our collective efforts, this part of the global supply chain functioned smoothly on time.
Unfortunately, some parties with vested interests are giving inappropriate and manipulated interpretations to the work that we all continue to do collectively to ensure the safety of all. There is a risk of spreading unnecessary fear in the society, including among stakeholders and other interested parties in shipping and maritime industry, due to these hyperbolical stories propagating by these parties.
I would like to reaffirm that SLPA has promulgated the all necessary health measures as quickly as the pandemic was reported and started disrupting the global supply chain. Our priority is the health and well-being of all. Accordingly, strictly health measures have introduced for the smooth operation of the port, the heart of the country a.k.a. the lifeline of the nation.
All operations at the Port of Colombo continued without any interruption. All port premises and access gates are keenly monitored around the clock and systematically disinfected. Randomly selected teams working and engaging at various capacities in the Port of Colombo and other ports in the country are regularly subjected to PCR and antibody tests. The medical advice given on the results of those tests is facilitated to be followed in the same manner.
Due to the precarious situation prevailing in the country, the number of employees required to report for duty has limited. The special precautionary arrangement followed by strictly health guidelines has been introduced and implemented for all employees reporting for duties. Other employees have instructed to perform their duties from home.
Therefore, all of your continued supports are crucial at this need of the moment to make the terminal operations and port activities, an essential service in the country, more successfully. It is important to recall that the challenges we face shall easily overcome through collective action and sincere commitments. We all have a responsible role to play in defending the health and well-being of all and conserve the terminal and port operations and other activities. Everyone’s role is crucial and equally essential.
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.”