Business
Crosswinds’ Walk to Riverston:a call to adventure lovers to conquer spectacular trails
An exhilarating hiking competition for the entire family is calling adventure lovers in Sri Lanka to experience one of the country’s most spectacular hill country trails, vie for exciting prizes and help a worthy cause.
The 2023 edition of ‘A Walk to Riverston’ takes place on 28th and 29th October on a 22-kilometer trail across the Riverston mountain range in Matale, whose attractions include ‘mini world’s end’ and the Bambaragiri ella waterfall.
Organised by Crosswinds Adventures, endorsed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), and approved by the District Forest Office Matale, the hike comprises of three events – the ‘Extreme’ hike extending to the full distance for the fit, daring and adventurous, a 10-kilometer Ladies only hike, and a five-kilometer hike for children under the age of 15.
The winner of each of these events will receive a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and a return ticket to Thailand, the organisers said.
‘A Walk to Riverston’ has multiple objectives – to promote Sri Lanka as a global hiking destination, to encourage locals and visitors alike to participate in a memorable adventure and test their hiking skills and endurance, and to support a worthy cause: all proceeds raised from the event are to be donated to the Kubulgolla Primary School in Meemure.
Participation is by registration at www.crosswinds.lk and the participation fee will cover transport to the location from Colombo, via Negombo, Kurunegala and Kandy; two meals and snacks, camping site and tents, doctors and ambulance services and the services of a recovery team.
Buses leave Colombo at midnight on 27th October to arrive at Riverston at 6.30am on the day of the hike. Competing hikers will be provided breakfast and a briefing, and the hike is scheduled to commence at 8.30 am. Stage 1 of the hike ends at 10 am, the “amateur” stage at 12 noon and the “extreme” stage at 5.30 pm, and day one ends with a campsite dinner. The presentation of awards takes place at 10am on day two, and the buses depart for Colombo at 11.30am on 29th October.
Crosswinds Adventures was founded by a group of adventure enthusiasts who wanted to share their love for the outdoors and competitive spirit with the world. Drawing from their own experiences in hiking, rafting, boating, rallying, and racing, they envisioned a platform where like-minded individuals could come together to challenge themselves, create lasting memories, and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Sri Lanka.
The company’s goal is not just to host events but to create unforgettable experiences, forge lasting memories, and foster a community of adventurers who share its enthusiasm for the extraordinary.
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.”