Business
Epitome of administrative excellence
The late Ray Forbes encompassed within himself administrative excellence and profound humanity. On account of these rare qualities he endeared himself to the staff and students of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS), Colombo, for well over a decade.
The above sentiments were expressed with regard to the former Director of the BCIS, Ray Forbes, by every speaker who was invited to comment on his life and times at a special commomerative ceremony held at the BCIS auditorium on March 7th. The event was presided over by the Chairperson of the BCIS, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
Among the attendees at the simple but august ceremony were senior members of the BCIS management, diplomats, members of the BCIS staff, past and present, and former and present students of the BCIS.
Among those who addressed the gathering were, Executive Director of the BCIS, Prof. Gamini Keerawella, former Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. G. Wijesiri, a former Deputy Director of the BCIS, Ms. Rohini Weerasinghe and Deputy General Manager HR, Commercial Bank of Ceylon and BCIS alumni, Isuru Tillakawardena. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Nishara Mendis, Director Research, BCIS.
Ray Forbes was Director of the BCIS from 1983 until 1997. He joined the BCIS after considerable years of service in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service. Forbes’ tenure at the BCIS was characterized by administrative finesse, excellence and efficiency. He was the recipient of a Lifetime Service Award for his services to the BCIS in 2017.
While Ray Forbes’ rare administrative acumen and efficacy came in for adulation at the commmeration in ample measure, all speakers were particularly emphatic about his humanity and empathy. He was a stickler for discipline but had a warm heart within him at all times. He gave an attentive ear to the problems of students and went more than the extra mile to help them out of their difficulties.
Ray Forbes was an embodiment of ‘simple living and high thinking’. For example, before joining the BCIS, Forbes, for some time, served in the movement initiated by the illustrious Mother Theresa of Calcutta to serve the sick and destitute of the world. While this gift of humanity was amply manifest during his tenure at the BCIS, its efflorescence was also visible during retirement.
Rather than choose the relatively convenient climes of Colombo or its suburbs, Forbes chose to retire to Anuradhapura where he spent the rest of his years teaching rural students English and music, free of charge. Thus, Ray Forbes finely mixed administrative expertise, efficiency, humanity and selflessness. His was a life well lived.
Lynn Ockersz
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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