Business
Despite negative travel advisories, University of Lincoln student delegation arrives on a study tour of SL
A delegation consisting of seventeen students from the University of Lincoln, UK, arrived on a short visit to Sri Lanka in order to study the lifestyle of the people of Sri Lanka, culture, heritage and tourism experiences offered by the destination. They also visited the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau on their visit, in order to gain more information for their studies on Sri Lanka as a tourism destination and get further insight for their queries regarding steps being taken in a post pandemic environment to restart/ revive the Tourism industry of Sri Lanka.
The group arrived at a time when the UK government had issued several travel advisories against Sri Lanka, but despite that the group was able to continue with their visit to Sri Lanka under the guidance of their Tour leader, Prof.Martin Knight, who has been to Sri Lanka with student groups on many occasions. He is also the Programme Leader for MSc International Hospitality Management, and Programme Leader MSc Crisis and Disaster Management, of the Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, plus being a Barrister at Law of both England and Wales, and an Attorney –At Law of the New York Bar.
As a regular visitor to the country, Prof Knight has initiated the idea of bringing a student group to Sri Lanka to share his experience along with students and to give them knowledge and insight of Sri Lanka as one of the best Tourism destinations in the world.
The group was warmly welcomed by the Tourism Bureau officials including chairman, Chalaka Gajabahu , Padma Siriwardene , Managing Director , and Dushan Wickramasuriya , Director Marketing , Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The chairman gave a brief but a very descriptive introduction about the Sri Lankan culture, lifestyle, delicious cuisine and its inhabitants, while giving them an idea of the experiences and what they might expect during their stay in Sri Lanka. He also urged the students to spread a positive message on Sri Lanka on their return home, and encourage more travelers to Sri Lanka which will definitely be a boost for Sri Lanka Tourism.Afterwards a very productive country presentation was done by Dushan Wickramasuriya , Director Marketing SLTPB which was followed by a Q&A session. All the logistical arrangement for the tour was provided by Airwing Tours.
The University of Lincoln, UK, is rated among the UK’s top 20 universities for student satisfaction in the Guardian University Guide 2022 and the Complete University Guide 2022 and in the top 30 UK universities overall in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2020. They hold a top five-star rating in the QS Stars ratings system of global universities and are placed among the world’s top 150 young universities in The Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2021.
Encouraging student groups as these will bring more promotional success and a more positive message about Sri Lanka, and make it once again become the number one destination in the world for Tourism. (Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau)
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.”