Business
Environmentalists threaten legal action against Mannar wind power project
By Ifham Nizam
Environmentalists and civic organizations have come together to protest the detrimental effects of wind turbines fixed in the Mannar peninsula, stressing that they would take legal action against the project shortly.
Recently personnel representing both state and private institutions collectively decried alleged adhoc policies of the government in this regard that would lead to man-made disasters, particularly floods, which have been experienced with the turbines coming up.
Environmental Scientist Hemantha Withanage told The Island Financial Review that they would team up with other organizations to put an end to projects that would hamper nature and public welfare.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Adani’s 250 MW wind power project in Mannar is now available for public comment.
A study by renowned scientist, Professor Sampath Seneviratne of the University of Colombo, reveals that in total, about 15 million birds (of 250 species) from over 30 countries visit Sri Lanka.
The study also indicates that, however, an estimated 1 million birds from 150 species stay in Mannar during the migration period.
As the proposed 250MW wind farm covers the entire northern half of Mannar island that falls between the Adam’ Bridge Marine NP & its buffer zone & Veditaltivu NR & its buffer zone, the proposed wind farm can severely affect movement.
The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) on the proposed 250MW Wind Power Project (Phase II) grossly devalues the importance of Mannar, a study points out.
Even though the EIA report proposed a narrow ‘Bird Corridor’ at the interior of the island, GPS-tagged birds in the Mannar Island show a wide use of the northern coast, while moving between the Protected Areas in Mannar (Adam’ Bridge Marine National Park, Veditaltivu Nature Reserve and Vankalei Sanctuary).
Some of the main reasons for the EIA to miss this important movement corridor along the north coast could be:
1. Wrong timing – The bird observations were done by observers walking in the forest – on foot – during the daytime from 6 am – 6 pm, while the bulk of the movement between protected areas happens between 6 pm – 6 am (at night).
2. Wrong season – The EIA did not cover the critical Migratory Period of birds during this study. Therefore, the observers failed to see the movement of large numbers of birds, as resident birds typically do not move in large flocks in Mannar.
3. The globally accepted technologies for the study of bird movement (that are available in Mannar) were not used to map the movement tracks.
4. It is surprising that the Central Asian Flyway and the Convention of Migratory Species of the United Nations were not stressed in the report.
5. Even though the EIA report states that a thorough review of information be carried out, the publicly available and widely circulated information on movement patterns of critical species of the Central Asian Flyway in Mannar was not referred to and seems to have been ignored. These satellite-tagged birds fly through the proposed wind farm.
6. The proposed narrow ‘movement corridor’ for millions of migratory birds seems highly arbitrary and lacks support from currently available information in the EIA report (on migratory birds in Mannar). The corridor is proposed conveniently away from the proposed wind farm based on – no study and no data (as stated in the report itself).
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.”
