Business
Development Research – a ‘passion’ at the Dr. Gamani Corea Foundation
By Lynn Ockersz
In its refurbished, salubrious and tranquil location at ‘Horton Lodge’, Colombo 7, which was the original home of internationally renowned economist Dr. Gamani Corea, the Gamani Corea Foundation hopes to forge ahead towards expanding the frontiers of Development Research.
‘Our passion is to promote Development Research. This is in keeping with the late Dr. Gamani Corea’s aim of furthering research in economic development in Sri Lanka. Our main mission could be likened to that of the Rockefeller Foundation in the US, which was committed to improving the living conditions of people around the world, Board Director of the Gamani Corea Foundation, Dr. Harsha Aturupane said. He was addressing a reception for family and friends at ‘Horton Lodge’ to mark Dr. Gamani Corea’s 10th death anniversary on November 2nd. The picturesque ‘Horton Lodge’ is now the headquarters of the Foundation.
Some extracts from Dr. Aturupane’s address: ‘Development Research is the focus of the Dr. Gamani Corea Foundation’s Innovators’ Forum as well, which is in the process of facilitating the conduct and writing of research by specialists on different aspects of the local economy. At present we are trying to help the National Planning Commission as well. We are majorly into international development and collaboration in the pursuit of the wellbeing of the world’s publics. We are also well into macroeconomic and Human Development Research.
‘A cause that is advanced by us with vigour is the formulation of a good national plan. “Blue Skies” research, studies into the “Dark Internet Economy”, and AI research are new areas that we are breaking into. We are also attaching priority to the furtherance of international links with development organizations, such as the South Centre and UNCTAD. In all these endeavours only the late Dr. Corea’s funds will be used.’
Chairman, Dr. Gamani Corea Foundation, Dr. Lloyd Fernando, speaking on Gamani Corea the person said, among other things: ‘The late Dr. Gamani Corea was kind, humble, amiable and witty. I met him first as a junior officer or “Podian” at the Planning Commission in the sixties. He did not care for hierarchy nor did he adhere to narrow thinking in educational matters. Despite some sections of the government of the day having reservations about my Russian qualifications, Dr. Corea enlisted me to state service and later recommended me to the Institute of Development Studies of the University of Sussex, where I completed my doctorate. This showed his character and humanity.
‘Dr. Corea had to resign from his positions in the state sector with the change of government in 1970. But the then Prime Minister, Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, sent him as Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Brussels.’
Sri Lanka’s well known radio journalist and broadcaster, Dr. Vijaya Corea, a sibling of Dr. Gamani Corea, who was 18 years his junior said: ‘The Dr. Gamani Corea Foundation has done a classical job in carrying forward my brother’s name. He could relate to any generation with ease. Good humour was one of his strong points. The extent of his simplicity was such that he did not want to be referred to as “Dr.” He was as simple as simple could be.’
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
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
