Business
DVA ‘terribly upset’ by delay in passing Animal Welfare Bill in Sri Lanka
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Meat production is the single greatest cause of global warming and no country will be harmed by global warming more than Sri Lanka as an island nation, so vegetarianism would be a big step towards mitigating the risks of this phenomenon, Bob Isaacson, President /Co-Founder of Dharma Voices for Animals (DVA) told The Island Financial Review recently during an interview at the Marino Beach Colombo.
“And it is the best way to avoid heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure etc. So health, environment and compassion are an interrelated topic we talk to the people constantly about. This year alone we have discussed this with over 100,000 people across Sri Lanka with the support of our local volunteers,” he said.
“I came to Sri Lanka in 2015 and since then every day our members have promoted the cause of animal welfare making about 1,400 presentations at Dhamma schools, parent-teacher societies, police stations, army bases, women’s groups, universities etc.”
Mr. Isaacson who has been a practising Buddhist for 30 years especially mentioned that his organization was committed to passing the Animal Welfare Bill in Sri Lanka.
“This bill was actually drafted here in Sri Lanka in 2006 as a result of consultations at parliamentary committee level. It has been almost 18 years now. But nothing has happened. We had a commitment from a super majority about 140 members of parliament to pass the bill. We are patient about the possibility of it happening but it’s frustrating. Still we talk about the bill via social media, post interviews with members of parliament and celebrities to spread the message of the importance of the bill. DVA reconsolidated its effort to get the bill passed in 2019. And in February 2022, DVA was able to get the Cabinet approval for the bill. Even after the Cabinet approval, it is not moving through parliament and this is very frustrating,” he said.
Dharma Voices for Animals (DVA) is an organization committed both to practicing the teachings of the Buddha (the Dharma) and to speaking out when actions and the policies lead to animal suffering. They want to be the voice of the animals who cannot speak the human language. They speak out about the harm people cause other sentient beings when they eat them, use their body parts as clothing, or use products that are tested on them. While DVA recognizes the challenges of living in a complex, modern society, they wish to promote the choices that provide the greatest reduction of animal suffering.
With a global team of volunteers, DVA works to accomplish its mission by engaging in advocacy, education, and outreach efforts with Buddhists throughout the world. Their Sri Lanka mission has 15-regional coordinators (volunteers) in the northern and southern parts of the country.
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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