Business
DIMO’s Vocational Education arm DATS ventures into manufacturing training equipment

In line with its objective of developing Vocational Education in Sri Lanka, DIMO, a leading diversified conglomerate, has ventured into manufacturing training equipment via its vocational education arm, the DIMO Academy for Technical Skills (DATS).
It recently completed a project for Sri Lanka German Training Institute in Kilinochchi (SLGTI), funded by GIZ. The project involved the supply of cutaway models of a wide range of gearboxes including hybrid and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which caters to automobile related courses. Working automobile climate control and gasoline fuel injection simulators along with a special tabletop wheel alignment parameter simulator were also supplied for this project. Technical data, user manuals and operational training were provided as well.
In addition to training equipment for automobile training courses, DATS also provides training equipment for the building services field.DATS entered the training equipment manufacturing realm in Sri Lanka as training models and simulators, most of which are European, are extremely costly which limits the practical sessions in the vocational training courses. While there are cheaper options available, the quality and finish are not on par with global standards. As such, DATS, with its expertise and access to the latest technology, now offers customized training solutions to local institutes.
A leader in the Vocational Education Training (VET) sector over the last 30 years, DATS has attained great experience developing its own training facilities with the latest industry developments and on par with international standards. As the provider of German Dual VET, DATS has always lived up to the high standards of German craftsmanship.
Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman & Managing Director of DIMO, said “Vocational Education is vital to the development of country’s economy, and it is a part of DIMO’s sustainability agenda which is a significant step in our efforts to continue fuelling the dreams and aspirations of the communities we serve in.”
With its long-term vision for the nation and its youth, DATS hopes to continue promoting its capabilities to VET institutes, universities, and schools as a provider of high quality, highly customizable training aggregates, at a considerably lower cost in comparison to those that are imported.
Over the years, DATS has offered multiple training programmes to a variety of clientele on a wide range of topics to elevate vocational education standards. In terms of training the trainers and instructors, DATS recently hosted a programme for the SLGTI for the second time and hosted another for the Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) in Moratuwa, for the first time. The training programmes include providing up-to-date knowledge to the instructors in the latest automotive technology together with new teaching techniques & tools. Technical areas covered include Occupational Health & Safety, Diesel Engine Management, Petrol Engine Management, Automatic Transmission, Suspension Systems, and Air Conditioning systems. The training sessions were conducted by instructors from DATS Colombo and Jaffna, with the support of DIMO’s very own Health & Safety Officer. DATS constantly updates the training syllabus by focusing on the latest developments, in order to ensure international standards for the valued local students.
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.”