Business
DAN TV celebrates 21 years of unique Tamil infotainment
DAN TV recently marked 21 years in the field, having begun its journey as “DAN Tamil Oli” in France in 2000, then moving to India in 2005 and, finally, to Sri Lanka in 2008, where it is currently headquartered.
DAN TV, which is an acronym for Dish Asia Network Television, has witnessed its popularity grow day-by-day due to its uniqueness, with its programming deeply rooted in Tamil culture. Since 2008, DAN TV has directly contributed to Sri Lanka’s new Tamil language programming renaissance, especially at a time when the community’s art and culture was in decline. This is due to the fact that DAN TV’s locally produced content, which is viewable island-wide, including DAN Tamil Oli, Yarl TV, DAN Music, DAN Comedy, DAN News, Kalvi TV, Ohm TV, Holy Mary TV and Pirai TV, is produced and transmitted via DAN TV’s 14 Sri Lanka-based studios, with seven being in Jaffna, three in Colombo, two in Batticaloa, and one each in Trincomalee and Hatton. Additionally, DAN TV’s programming, online and via its mobile app, is also very popular among the Tamil diaspora around the world, particularly North America, the Middle East, Europe and Australia.
According to DAN TV Founder and Chairman S.S. Kuhanathan; “After 21 years, I stand proud in touching the heart of every Tamilian through the popularity of DAN TV. I first started ‘TRT Tamil Oli’ in 1997 in Paris, the capital of France, which was the first non-French speaking television channel to launch in France. In fact, it was only when ‘Le Figaro’, one of the France’s leading daily newspapers, praised this achievement that I came to know of it.”
Kuhanathan continued; “However, at the start of the new millennium, when my TRT TV was deceitfully snatched from me by the LTTE, I had to begin anew. Nevertheless, I was determined to face all the obstacles, and I founded DAN TV. Another milestone was achieved in Jaffna in 2009, when DAN TV became the first privately owned television company to be set up in my hometown. From the depths of my heart, I offer my gratitude to all who stood by me in this journey and, especially, those who are still with me to this day.”
Today, DAN TV enjoys significant success with its respective audiences in the fields of entertainment, education, spirituality, having grown tremendously as a result of its excellent staff of highly committed cable TV professionals and experts, as well as the support of some of Sri Lanka’s top corporates. Going beyond its island-wide reach, DAN TV’s popularity also stems from its programming, which has helped along a resurgence in creativity and arts within the Sri Lankan Tamil community. This programming includes a wide variety of entirely original infotainment choices, from short film competitions and awards programs highlighting unsung heroes who have achieved for their community, to athletics programs showcasing sports like cricket and football, and even great musical performances such as DAN 31st Night, which is a very popular New Year’s Eve celebration in Jaffna.
DAN TV Group Consultant and Chief Marcom Strategist Chalaka Gajabahu commented, “I would like to thank our long-time, loyal advertisers, as well as the corporates having supported DAN TV in our journey to become a leader in the North and the East, where we offer exceptionally unique, and culturally rich, entertainment and education choices for Tamil speaking communities.
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.”