Business
Friends of the Earth International opposes Mid-East violence
By Ifham Nizam
As a federation dedicated to peace, Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) opposes all acts of violence, its chairman Hemantha Withanage said.
He added; “We are horrified by the images coming out of both Israel and Gaza and are heartbroken that innocent people are paying the price for the decades without a just resolution to a fundamentally unsustainable situation. In no uncertain terms, we strongly condemn the killing of innocent people and the taking of hostages.”
“FoEI supports the self-determination of the Palestinian people in the territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 war.”
Withanage said that they are firmly opposed to Israel’s military occupation and “ongoing theft of land for settlement activity, alongside toleration of settler violence and terror against Palestinians.”
He also said they are in full agreement with the vision outlined in UN Resolution 67/19 (2012): “The achievement of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the attainment of a peaceful settlement in the Middle East that ends the occupation that began in 1967 and fulfils the vision of two States: an independent, sovereign, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security with Israel on the basis of the pre-1967 borders.”
Withanage added: “FoEI has also spoken out repeatedly about the dire situation in the Gaza Strip. For sixteen years, Israel has denied the free movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. During this blockade, Israel has bombed Gaza with impunity, destroying civilian infrastructure and killing innocent people.
“In 2016, the UN Secretary-General called it ‘a collective punishment for which there must be accountability’. The profound trauma inflicted on the people of Gaza cannot be overstated.
“Throughout the blockade of Gaza, Israel has refused to put in place a long-term solution that would lead to peace and safety for all. And the international community has stood by and not used their leverage and influence with Israel to ensure that Israel abides by UN Security Council resolutions that demand a permanent end to the occupation of Palestinian lands.
“Now, the worst is happening: a brutal asymmetric war has broken out between Israel and Gaza. The attack on Israeli civilians was horrific; the response by Israel against the Palestinians has been overwhelming and devastating. There will be no winners in this conflict: only more death and suffering.
“While many countries have pledged their support and say they stand with Israel, Israel is attacking Gaza with the full force of its military power.
“A massive and shocking crisis is unfolding in Gaza, as a population (nearly half of which are under the age of 18) that has been beaten down for years is now being cut off from electricity, water, and fuel. Bombs rain down on the people and infrastructure of Gaza, leaving thousands without homes or shelter and killing untold numbers of people. This attack on the civilian population of Gaza is a war crime and must stop immediately.”
“In this critical moment, FoEI call for an end to the violence, for all parties to respect their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, and demand that the root causes of this conflict be finally resolved. We call on Israel to accept the UN resolutions requiring them to withdraw from the territories occupied in 1967, including East Jerusalem, and apply the right of return and compensation to Palestinian refugees.
“This war will likely end with thousands of innocent people dead, but the long-term situation will not change until Palestinians and Israelis alike have full autonomy over their own lives and land, and the ability to live with security and dignity.
“We call on all nations and international bodies to use their influence now to resolve the current conflict and to demand an end to the occupation and a fair, just, and permanent solution for the Palestinian people.”
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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