Business
Construction of shortest route from Badulla to Kandy Raja Mawatha begins
State Minister Nimal Lanza (centre) and other dignitaries at the road construction launch
Construction work on the first phase of the road from Haliela to Maspanna on the Badulla-Kandy Raja Mawatha road, the shortest and alternative route from Badulla to Raja Mawatha, commenced Oct.24 under the patronage of State Minister for Rural Roads and Other Infrastructure Nimal Lanza.
At the request of Minister of Labour, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Parliamentary Deputy Government Whip Dilan Perera, construction work on the road began.
This road can be used by the people to travel from Badulla to Kandy Raja Mawatha after the construction of the section from Haliela to Ketawala, Maspanna, Keerthi Bandarapura in line with the national program of developing 100,000 km under the “Vision of Prosperity” program built by the President.
As the first phase, the construction of a 25 km stretch from Haliela to Maspanna was commenced. This is expected to cost around Rs. 1,375 million.
This road has a long history dating back to 1634 AD. This is the route used by King Kumarasinghe, a local leader who ruled Uva from 1634 to 1638 AD, from Badulla to Rajawasala in Kandy. The commencement of construction of the dilapidated road after 13 years is a solution to a major problem faced by the people of this area.
Minister of State Nimal Lanza addressing the gathering said,
“There are 12,500 km of A and B roads. 8,500 km of it has been completed. A decision has been taken to complete the remaining 4,000 km under the Road Development Authority within the next two years. Also, there are 16,800 km of C and D roads. Out of this 8,600 km of roads have been completed. Another 8,000 km have to be built. The construction of these roads will be completed within the next two years under the Provincial Road Development Authority.
Badulla District Parliamentarians Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Sudarshana Denipitiya, Former Uva Provincial Council Minister Sendil Thondaman, Haliela Pradeshiya Sabha chairman Nimal Senanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Highways RWR Pemasiri, Badulla District Secretary Damayanthi Paranagama, Uva Provincial Project Director of the Road Development Authority TKM Galappaththi and several others participated in the occasion.
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.”


