Business
Earl’s Hotels & Resorts in Rs. 4 billion expansionary drive in SL and Japan
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Earl’s Hotels & Resorts, in a vibrant expansionary drive, has invested over Rs. 4 billion over the last three years to acquire hotels and build several new ones in Sri Lanka and Japan, its General Manager Dinusha Gunasena said.
‘Our latest addition is the Negombo, Earl’s Regent Hotel, which was built with an investment of Rs. 1.2 billion with 31 rooms. Very soon, we will add another 50 rooms to the property for another investment of Rs 850 million. With that the cumulative investment would be Rs two billion, Gunasena told The Island Financial Review.
Gunasena added: “I am quite confident that this property will be one of the most sought- after hotels in the Negombo area not only by foreign tourist but by locals as well, because of its ideal beach front location with additional new unique features, such as, kite surfacing and various water sports activities, organic meals, Ayurvedic treatment, sleeping therapy and many other features for our target clientele.
Dinusha Gunasena
“We have completed Rs. 850 million of the investment so far, built 31 rooms and will complete the remaining rooms in the next six months.
“We will also add two banquet halls, which are under construction, to accommodate around 700 guests and will actively promote destination weddings and MICE events from the region.”
“We have also acquired two boutique hotels in Japan and this would be our first overseas leisure venture. Both hotels would have around 40 to 50 rooms each and would be marketed for up market clientele.
“We also have plans to branch out to the Maldives and are looking out for an acquisition. The Group has also invested over Rs. 8 50 million to construct ‘Early Kurunegala’, which will be opened at the end of the year.
“The Group has also acquired Hill Top Kandy and has completely demolished the property and is building a new 100 plus room hotel. The investment for this is over Rs. 1.5 billion.
“We are confident that the local travel sector would pick up and this is why we are aggressively investing and expanding in this sector.”
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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