Business
FACETS Sri Lanka returns with Premier Edition in January 2023
FACETS Sri Lanka, among the most sought after international gem and jewellery trade shows on the global gem procurement and sourcing calendar, is scheduled to make a comeback in 2023 after a hiatus of two years. FACETS Sri Lanka Premier Edition 2023 will make this comeback from the 7th to 9th January at Cinnamon Grand with a grander promise of sparkle and glamour, from this island home of the Ceylon Sapphire.
At the media launch attended by the Chairman of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority (NGJA) Viraj De Silva, Chairman of the Export Development Board Suresh de Mel, FACETS Sri Lanka Chairman Altaf Iqbal and President Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) Ajward Deen among other heads of institutions, it was reiterated that the unique Ceylon Sapphire must hold pride of place in this exhibition and that given the popularity of Sri Lankan gems the world over, FACETS Sri Lanka etches a pathway to adding fillip to Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves.
FACETS Sri Lanka has a vision to take Sri Lankan gems into newer brighter spaces enabling foreign exchange revenue to be earned for the country, positioning itself to achieve USD 1 billion in exports in 2023.
“The Ceylon Sapphire’s unique beauty and value has been renowned for over 2500 years and it has firmly placed itself among the world’s most important gemstones,” said Iqbal who is also a Director of the International Coloured Gemstones Association. While detailing the uniqueness of Sri Lankan gemstones, he also added that FACETS Sri Lanka will concentrate on creating an international design trends where all artisanal crafted jewellery will place a coloured gemstone as its centerpiece. “If you look at some of the most valuable masterpieces among royalty around the world for instance, it is a Sri Lankan gem that holds the centerpiece. We have to bring that trend back, bigger and better of course.”
President of SLGJA Deen noted that FACETS Sri Lanka is a unique exhibition that has always epitomized the quintessence of the industry. “Undeniably, this Premier Edition takes Sri Lanka’s gems and jewellery beyond the stone and into the global space of placing Sri Lanka among the world’s best. We are showcasing the treasure trove of gems this little island, known as Ratnadweepa – or land of gems as it was called from ancient trading times. This is just the beginning of ensuring that Sri Lankan gems will be the preferred choice for any jewellery, anywhere in the world.”
Chairman of NGJA De Silva observed that the Sri Lankan gem and jewellery industry has continued to be active internationally throughout, showing at exhibitions in Europe and the Middle East. “The response we have received has been spectacular and the endorsements very encouraging. We need to maintain this momentum and build on it because the world knows about the value, beauty and uniqueness of our gems and we now need to push it up to the next rung and become the best known gems in the world.” He also said that FACETS Sri Lanka will have a curated collection of SMEs, who encompass the backbone of the industry, in a specially demarcated area at the exhibition.
The Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association (SLGJA) is the apex private sector organisation representing the interests of all industry sub-sectors from mining through manufacturing, wholesale and retail. It organizes FACETS Sri Lanka in partnership with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
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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