Business
Contribution of migration towards Sustainable Development in SL
A number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets either directly or indirectly relate to migration. The centrepiece for migration in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is target 10.7 to reduce inequality in and among countries, calling to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies Implementation of the SDGs provides an opportunity to safeguard and empower mobile populations to reach their full potential, benefitting individuals, communities and countries around the world.
The need for reliable and comprehensive data to monitor progress towards achievement of SDGs targets, including those related to migration is therefore pressing. However, Sri Lanka does not have a cohesive approach to capture migration related data which is indeed crucial to respond more effectively and humanely to shape the regulation of the mobility of persons across borders.
Although various national institutions collect considerable amounts of migration data across various government agencies, there is no mechanism to centralize, disaggregate and cross-reference the data collected in order to use it towards SDGs monitoring. The lack of collaboration and integration among data producers and users in the migration domain is hindering the progress towards achieving SDGs related to migration, and the mainstreaming of migration in the national development process and the ability to track its contribution to the national development and SDGs.
In order to address this gap, SDG and IOM recently entered into a formal partnership to develop a sustainable mechanism to track the progress towards the achievement of the migration-related targets of the SDGs as well as the contribution of migration towards the national development process and SDG achievements in Sri Lanka.
Speaking of the collaboration, the Director General of SDC, Ms. Chamindry Saparamadu commented ‘Migration takes diverse forms. The contribution of Sri Lankans living, working or studying abroad to the national development process and towards the SDG achievements in Sri Lanka may not always be easily quantifiable in monetary terms. However, they present an enormous resource base that the country can leverage to support its economic recovery and development process. Many of them already contribute in various ways.
‘The absence of data and information prevent us from getting their best contribution. It is important to develop an integrated mechanism to capture this data and information. I am glad to work with IOM in developing such a mechanism building on our work on SDG data, progress monitoring and assessment through integrated approaches’.
The Chief of IOM Mission to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Sarat Dash highlighted that “tracking the progress of Sri Lanka’s migration-related targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and assessing the contribution of migration towards the SDGs is crucial for creating an appropriate policy environment in Sri Lanka and enabling it to report on SDG accomplishments. IOM is delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Sustainable Development Council in this regard.
I am confident that the SDC can bring all relevant stakeholders together to design and implement a need-based approach”
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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