Business
COYLE marks celebratory hour with accent on driving development
L to R – Dimuth Chankama Silva (Senior Vice Chairman – 2021/22), Saranga Goonewardena (Chairman – 2021/22), Chamath Kottage (Chairman – 2020/21) & Rasith Wickramasingha (Vice Chairman – 2021/22)
Chief Guest Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the occasion at the COYLE anniversary celebrations following the 22nd AGM and appointment of the new chairman of the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE.) The new chairman (2021/22) Saranga Goonawardena takes the Chamber lead from outgoing chairman Chamath Kottage.
The event was held recently at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. Also present at the gala function were several ministers, State ministers together with Secretaries and government officials.
The anniversary celebrations of The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) marked its ongoing success story and more importantly, was a platform to showcase the business sector’s contributions towards the Sri Lanka’s economy over the years. Members who attended comprised of business magnates from big blue-chip companies to medium and small scale start-ups and individual entrepreneurs.
The grandeur of the event which consisted of a show of traditional music and dance acts, was followed by a top-class dinner. However, it still managed to remain focused on offering networking opportunities that allowed members face-to-face interaction which leads to stronger relationships.
The Prime Minister, in his address stated, “COYLE has and always will be a partner in progress with the governments of Sri Lanka and in the present challenging times, preserving and creating jobs must be our absolute top priority. We have to keep working towards this and there are plenty of opportunities. It is something we cannot achieve without the business community and we need to think about this, not only for us, but also in your own interests. Let us stand united to lift the standard of living of the people of our country. Since COYLE’s inception, its members and leadership have maintained the same unwavering fervor and passion for our country.”
The success of COYLE will ensure a better future for Sri Lanka.”
Established in 1999, the Chamber is a business information portal that strengthens informal relationships while collaborating ventures and resources that generate new business opportunities. COYLE is the only chamber where the controlling shareholders and chairmen sit and advocate together. COYLE members controlling over 500 companies, provide direct employment to over 500,000 and indirect employment to over 2.5m Sri Lankans. COYLE’s contribution to the country’s annual GDP is over Rs. 650 Billion.
COYLE is proud and appreciative of the longevity it has held within the business community of Sri Lanka. It has spent the last 22 years since its establishment helping the country’s business community grow and in turn their growth has led businesses to give back to the community which strengthens the economy.
This year’s celebration was a chance for the Chamber to look back at its history within the community and continue to enhance its program to best serve its members. In its 22 year history, the names and faces of the Chamber may have changed, but it’s focus hasn’t – providing its members unique opportunities that are meant to grow their businesses.
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.”