Business
Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia organized a ceremonial opening and hybrid seminar to raise awareness on seven decades of friendly and mutually beneficial diplomatic relations between the two Asian countries, an LKI news release said.
The Seminar was hosted in the Auditorium of the LKI on August 10 and this event brought together many academics, practitioners, diplomats and other stakeholders who have contributed in cementing the strong ties between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, it said.The seminar was launched by Dr. Dayantha Laksiri Mendis, the LKI’s Executive Director who welcomed the distinguished participants and guests.
The main speakers were the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Her Excellency Retno L.P. Marsudi, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Hon. M.U.M. Ali Sabry. This was followed by statements by H.E Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives of the Republic of Indonesia and Ms Aruni Wijewardane, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.After the opening session, an interactive panel discussion moderated by LKI Executive Director Mendis followed. The webinar focused on the multi dimensional relations between the two countries in a friendly manner.
The participants were H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka, her counterpart, Her Excellency Yasoja Gunasekera , Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Indonesia , Prof. Kusnanto Anggoro, Executive Director of the Center for Geopolitical Risk Assessment of the University of Indonesia, Jakarta and Professor Chaminda Padmakumara, Head of the Department of International relations, University of Colombo.Prof. Kusnanto Anggoro has played an active role in reforming Indonesia’s security system, advising the Indonesian Government, communicating with the Indonesian parliament and civil society in this field.
This event was designed to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of formal diplomatic relations that were established on August 6, 1952. However there have been relations between the two countries in pre-colonial times, notably between the Sinhalese Kingdom and the Srivijaya Empire, both being Buddhist kingdoms. During the Dutch colonial period both countries were ruled by the Dutch East India Company. One significant result was the arrival in the island of Indonesians, whose descendants today are among the Sri Lankan Malay community.
Modern relations between the two Asian countries were strengthened by the fact that both countries played a major role as pioneers of the Non Aligned Movement. The birth of the Non Aligned Movement was the direct outcome of the Asian-African Solidarity Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia in April 1955.
Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, the two countries have co-operated extensively, entering into important MOUs aimed at combating International terrorism, fostering diplomatic education and training, fighting the illicit trafficking of narcotics and other banned substances and co-operation in education, research and technology.
Sri Lanka and Indonesia have also worked together and supported each other in ratifying important treaties within the UN framework covering areas such as Human Rights, Humanitarian law, ILO conventions and conventions relating to environment, climate change, disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
In addition both countries have been active participants and collaborated and indeed shaped policy in regional bodies including the Colombo Plan, Bali Democracy Forum, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the ASEAN Regional Forum.On the economic front several achievements have taken place. Currently four Indonesian companies have invested in Sri Lanka under the BOI Act and are engaged mainly in the apparel and tourism industries.
The Indonesian companies operating in Sri Lanka are Master Wovenlanka (pvt) Ltd, Bronto (Pvt) Ltd, Cooper Enterprises (private) Limited and Club Tex Mark (Pvt) Ltd.The objective of the seminar is therefore to serve as an opportunity to reflect on the strong bonds that have existed between Sri Lanka and Indonesia in both good and challenging times and examine ways in which stronger and more mutually beneficial relations can be forged in the future. (LKI news release)
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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