Business
ExtremeLives is back with transformative stories of youth from South Asia
On 20 January 2022, UNDP and the European Union launched the 4th season of the much anticipated ExtremeLives video series. This season showcases stories of individuals from Maldives and Sri Lanka, who, against all odds, have transformed their lives to overcome some of the most pressing personal challenges in their communities. Issues of drug abuse, hate and inequalities are amongst the topics that are explored through first-person storytelling in local languages.
“Over the last few years, multiple shocks have shaken the world, making people more apprehensive about their future, their welfare, their values.” highlights the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Denis Chaibi. “In this context, we are all at risk of losing our humanity and critical judgement. This is why the EU funded UNDP programme is showing how vulnerable people managed to get through difficult times. We hope that these lives will inspire many people who find a safe path through peaceful social inclusion.”
The videos are developed to invoke viewers’ empathy with the characters, inspire youth from South Asia to explore solutions to their own challenges, needs and aspirations to make positive changes in their lives and communities. To increase the resilience of its viewers, the videos subsequently offer digital resources, including tips on well-being and mental health and links to volunteering, interests and job opportunities.
“UNDP is proud of its partnership with the EU on the launch of another Season of ExtremeLives. Together we have designed and produced the new season of the ExtremeLives focusing on stories of people in Maldives and Sri Lanka using the people-centred approaches of behavioural science to address root causes of radicalization in South Asia,” said Robert Juhkam, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka. “We hope that this series will serve as an inspiration for youth in Sri Lanka and become an important driver of positive changes in the communities across the region.”
This season has been designed and produced differently from other ExtremeLives videos. Through investment in behaviour analysis and measurement activities, UNDP aimed for the videos to target young people vulnerable to violent extremist narratives. Key messages on positive behaviours were promoted with the objective to encourage and contribute to the resilience of communities to violent extremism in South Asia. As part of its M&E strategy, UNDP has developed a survey adopting an innovative method of gamification. The format of the video game is interactive and engaging for the target audience, allowing UNDP to collect important behaviour insights from viewers in the region.
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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