Business
Colombo Sheraton Hotel targets global business elites
By Ifham Nizam
The newly opened Sheraton Colombo Hotel caters mainly to business travelers across various global industries and markets, Sheraton Colombo General Manager Rahul Maini said. The hotel is part of Marriott International, reputed to be the world’s largest hotel chain.
Maini told The Island Financial Review that while Sri Lanka has seen a rise in tourism during the last 12 months, Colombo remains a major commercial hub in South Asia for corporate travel.
‘We have witnessed a strong uptick from this segment since opening doors. However, it has only been a few months since we launched and are observing a diverse mix of global guests. In the coming months, we shall be able to clearly identify visitors from corporate and leisure occupancy along with their geographic source markets, Maini noted.
Recently journalists who participated in a media walkthrough at the Sheraton Colombo had the opportunity to experience the hotel’s 320-rooms and other facilities located at Colombo 3.
The hotel which is complete with a Presidential Suite and other themed luxury suites along with a collection of four restaurant outlets, was originally scheduled to be launched in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis comprised an obstacle to such plans.
According to the General Manager, the architectural contract for Sheraton Colombo Hotel had been awarded to the leading global architectural design consultancy firm WS Atkins, which is also the designer and engineer for Burj Al Arab, the Address Downtown, Dubai Metro and the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The interior design contract was awarded to Catallo Associates of Singapore.
Rahul Maini
Maini added: ‘Marriott International takes corporate social responsibility and sustainability seriously, as conveyed through our 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Sheraton Colombo, as part of the Marriott family, aims to align with these goals.
‘Wherever we operate we aim to empower local communities through providing opportunities for education, employment and economic growth. Sustaining responsible operations is also a priority, with targets around ethical sourcing, waste reduction, and efficient use of natural resources, such as water and energy. As part of the Marriott family, Sheraton Colombo will follow suit by integrating these sustainability and social impact goals into our daily operations and business practices. Sheraton Colombo is dedicated to making positive community impact, driving social good, and minimizing environmental harm so that guests, employees and locals can feel good about choosing to stay with us.
‘Marriott’s commitment to heartfelt care, innovation and building a global community makes our hospitality truly unmatched. As part of this family, Sheraton Colombo inherits and lives up to these high standards.
‘Sheraton Colombo’s focus is on its prime, central location in Colombo’s business district, its contemporary design integrates local cultural elements. It has a variety of upscale dining options, amenities such as the Shine Spa and Sheraton Club lounge and event/meeting facilities. Importantly, our vision is to be a gathering place facilitating connections and community, striving to create a welcoming place for travellers seeking both productivity and belonging.’
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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