Business
Corruption at Sathosa
I’m amazed and dumbfounded by your editorial on September 22. Our former Ministers, Trade Ministers, the late President J. R. Jayewardene, Minister Lalith Athulathmudali, and Chairmen such as Candi Wijesekara, and lastly Minster Kingsley Wickramaratna, must be turning in their graves.
Razik Zarook would, I am sure, be shedding tears on hearing this scam.
I have never experienced a situation similar to this in my 30 years of service at Sathosa. There was some corruption at that time, but never in the history of the institution, one similar to this. Yes, we imported not only garlic, but wheat from the US and Australia by hundreds and thousands, and onions, dried chillies, potatoes, coriander, jams from Bulgaria, and red dhal, sugar from India and Australia, dried fish from Aden, sprats from Thailand or Chennai and coconut oil from Kerala or Malaysia; but then Sathosa never sold these numerous dry rations to traders straight from the Port. The Bulgarian Jams faced a controversy. Social media went to town informing the masses that if these jams are consumed one is likely to get cancer. Zarook went in front of TV cameras and explained that the Jams arrived long before the Atomic disaster happened and quashed the canard.
The goods were taken to wholesale warehouses, all over the country, and priority was given to Sathosa retail outlets, and then to Cooperatives, and only then were wholesale traders given the balance. This method ensured equitable distribution and allowed only a minimum of corruption.
To ensure the quality of goods, officers from relevant procurement divisions and a quality control officer from the laboratory were sent to the loading point.
Besides, packing units were set up in the warehouse to ensure quality. Two rice mills were also set up in Hingurakgoda for parboiled rice and raw rice, from the Thanamalwila mill. All paddy brought by farmers was tested by quality control officers for humidity, and if not found suitable, was given another chance to dry it. Some farmers brought paddy with dirt to increase weight, but we provided sieves to clean the paddy then and there.
Sathosa provided many welfare facilities for its workers, especially during Chairman Zarook’s tenure. There was a Medical Unit with two doctors and a dentist. Transport was provided to all executives and others by bus, bungalow in Nuwara-Eliya, with a cook and assistant, and free insurance for medical needs. I got my bypass heart surgery free of charge. I can go on about many more ways how Sathosa was managed, but it’s of no use. Sathosa had its song and a motto, Kiri peni.
The caravan will move on.
UPALI COORAY
Former General Manager – Sathosa
egalawan288@gmail.com
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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