Business
Covid-19 has opened up new opportunities: PRISL
“The covid-19 experience has opened up new awareness and opportunities which will be explored by the institute in its efforts to serve the members and the rubber and plastics industry in Sri Lanka.” This was stated by Kaushal Rajapaksa who was re-elected President of the Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka (PRISL) at its 55th Annual General Meeting held recently.
The meeting which was a hybrid event had both physical and online participants. Speaking further Rajapaksa said, “The rubber and plastics industries with their high value addition will have a leading role to play in the recovery process, and PRISL as the apex body in the polymer education in the country should be in a strong position to support the industry.”
The following were elected during the AGM. Office Bearers: Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa (Kalhari Enterprises), President; R. A. L. Sampath Ramanayake (Ex Camso Loadstar), Vice President; KalyanaDhirasekera (Aqua Packaging), Vice President; P. P. Perera (Sri Lanka Representative PIN365), Secretary; Lalith Jayawardene (DSI), Treasurer and Prabath Jayasinghe (Gislaved Gummi), Assistant Secretary.
Executive Council: Ananda Caldera (Global Rubber Industries), Dr. Susantha Siriwardena (Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka), B.M.H.I.B. Wattegedara (Camso Loadstar), Janadara Jayawarna (Laugfs), Pio Perera (Vaughan Chemicals), K.A.C. Vidyarathne(Vanadium Lanka), AnuraHerath (Penguin Lanka), Sumudu Bowatta (Camso Loadstar), H.N. Hari (Midas Group – Industrial Clothing’s), Parakrama Jayatissa (Champion Recycle), Dr. Upul Rathnayake (Dipped Products Lanka), Dinesh Gunasekara (Trelleborg Lanka), Kapila Sooriyabandara (Ansell Lanka), Kersten Rausch (Eu-Retec Continental) and Sharad Kakati (Ceat Kelani).
Kaushal Rajapaksa also pointed to the prominent representation of the dry rubber, latex and plastics industry sector in the new committee, and stressed that this would add strength to the PRI Sri Lanka to face the challenges due to the current social, economical, political and environmental scenario both locally and globally. With the gloomy global forecast on an uncertain recovery and the sluggish economic downturns predicted, countries like Sri Lanka will be facing the adverse fallout effects, he said.
“The Complast and Rubber Expo scheduled for August 2020 had to be postponed due to the current health situation. A virtual exhibition will be organized instead, in October 2020,” he added.
He also appreciated the collaborative partnership which PRISL has established with SMART EXPOS India, which is a leading exhibitions organizer, currently holding events in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria. A valuable opportunity will be provided to the local industrialists to display their rubber and plastics products globally, through the platform of virtual exhibitions.
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.”