Business
Dialog Axiata and Ministry of Environment launch ‘Husma Dena Thuru’
Photographed left to right: Sanka Dineth, Bhathiya Jayakody, Santhush Weeraman, Umariya Sinhawansa, Tharani Anoja Gamage – Director, State Ministry of Cultural Affiars, Rosy Senanayaka – mayoress of Colombo, . Mahinda Amaraweera – Minister of Environment, Sarath Chandrasiri Vithana – Advisor to the Minister of Environment, Amali Nanayakkara, Group Chief Marketing Officer – Dialog Axiata PLC, Roshanie Dissanayake – Municipal Commissioner, Colombo Municipal Council, and Harsha Samaranayake – Senior General Manager – Brand and Media, Group Marketing – Dialog Axiata PLC
The ‘Nakethata Palayak’ programme, initiated to assimilate reforestation and conservation into the Sri Lankan culture, launched its environmental song titled ‘Husma Dena Thuru’ and held a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at Independence Square.
This national environmental effort is driven by Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata PLC (Dialog), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment.
The progress of the Na tree planting at Independence Square was updated on the Thuru app by the Minister of Environment and key personnel. Thuru is a social media app for tree planters to update the progress of their urban forestry efforts, including those conducted under the ‘Husma Dena Thuru’ initiative.
An ode to reforestation and conservation, the ‘Husma Dena Thuru’ ballad was penned by Roshini Disanayakage and brought to life by the country’s prolific artistes Bathiya Jayakody, Santhush Weeraman, Umaria Sinhawansa, Sanuka Wickramasinghe and Sanka Dineth.
The “Nakethata Palayak” programme under the aegis of ‘Husma Dena Thuru’ initiative aims to promote urban forestry at homes during this Sinhala and Tamil New Year, where if one home plants one seedling during the designated ‘tree planting’ auspicious time at 6.40 AM on 16th April, 5 million trees would be planted across the nation simultaneously. This initiative strives to invoke a sense of motivation, further uniting the citizens of Sri Lanka to work towards a common environmental goal for the betterment of the nation.
With climate change posing as a growing global threat, the ‘Husma Dena Thuru’ campaign was implemented by the Ministry of Environment, to increase the country’s forest density to 30% and with the objective to reduce the rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere while creating a healthy, habitable environment. The two initiatives aim to pave a path towards a greener community and healthier lifestyle for generations to come.
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.”