Business
Formation of Effective Bipartite Safety and Health Committees; addition to EFC’s training mix
The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) recently announced the successful launch of the ‘Formation of Effective Safety & Health Committees’ Training Workshop. The workshop aims to guide participants in the formulation of Bi-Partite OSH committees in compliance with the National Guidelines recently promulgated by the Department of Labour and to equip them with the necessary skills for its effective operations, fostering collaborative efforts to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) in their respective organizations.
The inaugural batch brought together 29 participants from 14 diverse sectors, including hospitality, telecom, and manufacturing industries.
This timely initiative comes at the heels of the recent nationwide rollout of the ‘Guidelines on Bipartite Occupational Safety and Health Committees’ by the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment. The committee provides a platform for management and union/worker representatives to come together, leveraging their distinct roles, expertise, and experiences to create a culture of safety within organizations.
Vajira Ellepola, The Director General/CEO of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, expressed his appreciation to all the participants and emphasized the significance of OSH.
“Workplace bi-partite committees will be an important mechanism and the focal point of highlighting the importance of OSH. With ILO recognizing OSH as a fundamental right at work it will be important for Sri Lanka and organizations like ourselves, to take it forward and promote a culture of safety,” Ellepola said.
Participants of the inaugural workshop were exposed to various topics, including effective communication, facilitation and negotiation, and the practical aspects of Bipartite OSH Committees.
Gaya Kariyawasam, Manager of Occupational Safety and Health of the EFC noted that following the workshop the attendees will have a three-month timeframe to implement the key learnings in their respective organizations. This practical application of knowledge acquired during the workshops will enable participants to actively contribute to the improvement of workplace relations and foster a culture of collaboration and mutual respect based on the learning of Better Work’s Master Trainers programme.
Yashoravi Bakmiwewa, Senior Assistant Director General and Head of Training of the EFC noted that with the launch of the national guidelines of Guidelines on bipartite OSH committees, renewed importance has been given to creating a culture of safety.
“Initiatives like this are a testament to effective collaboration between various stakeholders. We consider this training programme a milestone in our journey towards promoting OSH, which will be the most recent addition to the training mix that EFC offers,” Bakmiwewa said.
Speaking on the progress made in nationalising Bipartite Occupational Safety and Health Committees, Kesava Murali Kanapathy the Head of the Better Work Programme of Sri Lanka noted that implementation of such an initiative could be used as a mechanism to promote dialogue and trust, thus enhancing social dialogue at workplaces.
” The inaugural ‘Formation of Effective Safety & Health Committees’ Training Workshop serves as a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and empowering workers and employers to create safe and healthy work environments. Through open dialogue and shared expertise, we can establish a culture of safety that safeguards the well-being of the workforce and promotes sustainable growth. We are excited about the positive impact this workshop will have on enhancing workplace relations and ultimately improving the lives of workers across various sectors.” Kanapathy said.
EFC, BW and other social partners are committed to facilitating ongoing workshops, promoting dialogue, and supporting the development of effective labour-management relationships throughout Sri Lanka. The ‘Formation of Effective Safety & Health Committees’ Training Workshop serves as a foundation for future collaboration and engagement, strengthening the workforce and fostering sustainable economic growth.
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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