Business
Donation of test kits for covid-19 by SK Group of Korea
At the handing over of test kits at the embassy, standing from left to right are Jo Yongjin, Senior Manager; Aiden Park, Team Leader of Social Value Unit; . Hyeonseo Ku, Vice President of SK E&S of SK Group; ambassador Dr. Mendis; Rekha Mallikarachchi, Commercial Counsellor and Sasanga Nikapitiya, Head of Chancery of the embassy.
The SK Group of South Korea, the third largest conglomerate/chaebol in the country, gifted 10,000 test kits to the embassy of Sri Lanka in the Republic of Korea to be used in Sri Lanka to contain and to control the COVID-19, since a sudden upsurge of COVID-19 cases had taken place. The SK E&S of the SK Group shipped the test kits to Sri Lanka, last week, by air since the test kits had to be delivered within a space of 72 hours.
The total cost of the test kits was over USD 120,000 and the handing over ceremony took place at the embassy of Sri Lanka in Seoul. The Vice President of SK E&S of SK Group, Hyeonseo Ku, handed over the relevant documentation with a billboard of the donation to the ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Korea, Dr. A. Saj U. Mendis, in the presence of senior officials both from the SK Group and the embassy of Sri Lanka. The test kits manufactured in the Republic of Korea are known to be among the best and most efficacious in the world. These test kits were sent to the Head of National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19, who is the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and Acting Chief of Defense Staff, General Shavendra Silva. The Commercial Counsellor, Rekha Mallikarachchi, and Ambassador Dr. Mendis solicited the SK Group to effect the gifting of the aforementioned test kits for COVID-19 to be used in Sri Lanka. The president and CEO of SK E&S, J.J. Yu, and the Board of Directors were receptive to the request made by the embassy since the embassy had close official relations with the SK Group.
The SK Group has the second largest market capitalization in the Republic of Korea and has recorded revenue of nearly USD 220 billion in 2019 as well as employs nearly 100,000 in over 100 countries. The SK Group has stellar global reputation in businesses ranging from chemicals, petroleum, energy, wireless mobile services, financial services, telecommunications, construction, shipping to semi-conductors, among others. The SK Group has expressed, unequivocal, interest to construct a mega LNG project in Sri Lanka on Build-Owned-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) at a total cost of USD 600 million. Since Dr. Mendis had a number of meetings with the top most management of the SK Group in this context, the aforementioned LNG project would provide, once completed, 930 MW and would extend semi-skilled and skilled employment to over 1,000 nationals of Sri Lanka. The aforementioned 10,000 test kits for COVID-19 were gifted by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) known as Social Value Unit of the SK Group.
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.”
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