Business
COYLE to drive ‘broad movement’ to empower young Lankan entrepreneurs
Initiatives planned to motivate young people to dream bigger
Free warehousing on offer in U.S., Australia and Dubai
New initiatives of the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) will harness its existing capacities and networks to the greatest extent possible to empower young entrepreneurs in all regions of the country to contribute to the national economy on a greater scale, Thushira Raddella, businessman and President of (COYLE) told The Island Financial Review.
Thushira who recently took over the responsibilities as new chairman of COYLE from its immediate past chairman Rasith Wickramasinghe said the Chamber would transform the way it does things about young entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka in 2024 and beyond. This is not something I am going to do. It is something the Chamber is going to do as a responsible body comprising high-profile, decision-making business owners who hold the entire membership of the Chamber,” he said.
Thushira, CEO/Director of Raddella Holdings Pvt. Ltd., in addition to being COYLE chairman speaking further said,” 25 years ago, COYLE was founded by a group of young Sri Lankan entrepreneurs. Today they and their companies are high-net worth and well-known organizations that bring substantial foreign currency into the country, and substantially contribute the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country. Their noteworthy accomplishments in the business world can truly inspire young Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to conquer the growth markets in foreign countries. We are keen to share our members’ skills, experience and networks with the potential changemakers of the country to take their businesses to the next level,” he said.
“Our members will be getting in touch with entrepreneurial-minded students at their alma maters and motivate them , so that they can dream bigger with our support and the opportunities we can create for them if they are truly committed to being entrepreneurs in the future. We will be spreading the movement to identify and empower the entrepreneurial spirit in provincial schools as well. After doing so for about six months, and selecting viable business ideas, we will open up startup incubators to offer them vital information, guidance and even necessary capital to them. As a Chamber with 100 members, we have connections and relations with other chambers and foreign trade delegations; and we are planning to bring in angel investors and venture capitalists to finance and partner with emerging Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, “he noted.
“We are planning to rename COYLE as Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs and establish an affiliated platform dedicated for young businessmen and women and university students, through which they can collaborate with us and be stronger in their business pursuits. We will be taking the Chamber to a global level. Moves are underway by the Chamber to set up regional offices to support young Lankan entrepreneurs to enter foreign markets.
One of the main plans for this year is; we are going to give three warehouse facilities for Sri Lankans to bring their goods and keep them in the U.S., Dubai and Australia. We have already obtained warehouses in those countries. This facility will be provided to young entrepreneurs for free. This is a crucial support we can extend to take local manufacturers’ goods overseas. And the Chamber’s experts who know about business processes in those markets inside out can help young Lankans to gain a foothold there,” he said.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
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