Business
EDB and Australia High Commission share ideas to promote SL Education sector
A discussion was held between the senior representatives of the Australia High Commission in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on March 2 to share ideas and strategies to promote Sri Lanka’s education sector among international students.
During the meeting, EDB Chairman Suresh D de Mel pointed out that the government had taken several initiatives to promote Sri Lankan education services internationally with the view of attracting foreign students to study in Sri Lanka and that plans are underway to position Sri Lanka as an education hub.
EDB Director – Export Services, Ms. Indumini Kodikara mentioned that a number of webinars were conducted to create awareness about opportunities available in Sri Lanka for foreign students who wish to pursue studies in Higher Education services not only from Accounting, Management, ICT, Marketing but also Healthcare training programmes such as Nursing , Wellness, Biomedical science, Physiotherapy and Buddhist Education services. in collaboration with the Sri Lankan missions in Australia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Korea, the UAE, Vietnam and China.
Expressing his views, EDB Education Advisory Committee Chairman – Captain Ajith Pieris observed that the government wants to attract foreign universities into the country to create opportunities for higher studies not only for local students but for students from countries in the region such as Pakistan, the Maldives, and Bangladesh. He stated that discussions had been initiated with the Department of Immigration and Emigration to streamline visa procedures to facilitate the arrival of foreign students to the island.
Taking part in the discussion, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka His Excellency David Holly shared valuable insights on developing education as an export-driven field. “Due to the COVID-19 experience, Australia has recognised the importance of having transnational education hubs because of disruptions to higher-education activities. Australian education institutes have invested close to US$ 200 million in Sri Lanka through partnerships and independent ventures”, the High Commissioner remarked.
He underscored the importance of having a proper regulatory environment and visa policy to develop higher education as a foreign exchange-earning sector drawing on the Australian experience. The High Commissioner also emphasized the importance of preventing exploitation of students by unscrupulous parties via a continuous audit and grading system similar to CRICOS code of Australia.
Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Ms. Amanda Jewell, Education Director of Australian Trade and Investment Commission – Kanishka Padidilian, Co-founder, International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) – Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe and officials of the EDB Export Services division also took part in the discussion.
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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