Business
COYLE explores bilateral investment opportunities in Busan, addresses challenges
On the invitation of the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana and Parliamentarian Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, COYLE and The National Chamber of Exporters, engaged in bilateral business discussions with the Busan Economic Promotion Agency of South Korea. The aim of this dialogue was to bolster inward industrial investment in Sri Lanka and broaden operational opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses in Busan to stimulate positive returns.
Jin Yang Hyun, President and CEO of The Busan Economic Promotion Agency who joined the discussion online, acknowledged Sri Lanka’s potential with financial incentives, strategic presence and access to raw materials. However, concerns were raised about the barriers to entry, particularly with regard to inefficiencies on the part of local authorities, impacting investment timelines.
It was pointed out that addressing these concerns requires a comprehensive examination of Sri Lanka’s investment processes. The Board of Investment (BOI) plays a crucial role and its efficiency is key to facilitating foreign investment into the country. Accordingly, Sri Lanka needs to streamline its processes, as the bureaucratic complexities are adverse oppose to countries like Vietnam and Thailand who are dominating the region. Furthermore, initiating operations within an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Sri Lanka demands a closer look, and the Island needs to match other competitive nations whilst also exhibiting economic and political stability.
The discussion also touched on Busan’s economy, and the advantages it presents for Sri Lankan businesses. For example, setting up operations in Busan provides an opportunity for Sri Lankan companies to tap into the significant buying power of the South Korean market, enhancing their export potential. Companies establishing operations in Busan can also contribute to inward remittances for Sri Lanka, strengthening the economic ties between the two nations. It was revealed that identifying sectors currently exporting to South Korea and encouraging them to set up operations in Busan could further augment the bottom line for Sri Lankan businesses.
Overall, the dialogue ended on a strongly positive note, with COYLE, empowered by Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana and Dayasiri Jayasekara, who is also the President of the Sri Lanka Korea Association, pledging assistance to companies from Busan interested in exploring industrial and commercial operations in Sri Lanka. Ultimately, the discussion made clear the need for Sri Lanka to quickly enhance its accessibility, efficiency, and ease of doing business in order to compete on a global scale and benefit from foreign investment on a larger scale.
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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