Business
Fuel pass issued to chauffeur guides ‘not accepted’ by filling stations
Further hindering flow of critical Tourism dollars
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Hiring a tourist car with a registered chauffeur guide is the most convenient option for tourists to get around in Sri Lanka, but the acute petrol shortage is creating problems in taking the overseas visitors around the country as they wish, and as they have scheduled, during their stay in the country, says Chauffeur Tourist Guide Lecturers Association (CTGLA).
Ranjith Sudasingha, vice president of the Association told The Island Financial Review that although they have received a special pass undersigned by the Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, filling stations say these passes have no legal validity because the authorities have not informed them of any such arrangement or priority for vehicles used in tourist passenger transportation.
“We discussed the matter with operators at some filling stations and they told us that although we produce a proper, official pass, the authorities have not sent them a circular to this effect or given any official directives to give priority in issuing petrol to vehicles carrying tourists, therefore, we urge Harin Ferrnado, Minister of Tourism, Dhammika Perera, Minister of Investment Promotions and Sri Lanka Tourism (SLTDA) authorities to issue a circular that provides details on this policy and procedures.”
“There is a mechanism to provide diesel for tourist vehicles at Ceylon Transport Board depots. For petrol vehicles, a similar mechanism has been introduced at several nominated camps of security forces but that programme is not being implemented satisfactorily. Sri Lanka Tourism’s current plans are applicable for tourist arrivals until July 10, and it is not clear how they are going to deal with tourist arrivals and required transportation after July 10. So such an uncertain situation could easily lead inbound tourists to change their mind and fly to a different holiday destination where they can spend their vacation more peacefully.”
“Tourism is one of the largest sources of foreign currency to the island. If there is no fuel, overseas visitors can’t travel around as they have planned, and the country won’t make money to buy more fuel. So the government has to do everything in its power to make sure this doesn’t happen. The two previous disasters, the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and the 2020/2021 global pandemic, were ones we didn’t have much influence on, but the foreign currency problem shouldn’t necessarily be so. The authorities must find a solution to this before we lose the narrow stream of tourists still arriving in this country hoping that things will better.”
“Last but not least, it is crucial that authorities educate the people as well as the police about the importance of tourists and how they should be treated while they are visiting our country no matter whatever the magnitude of the crisis we are going through. The problem is one of our making, so we shouldn’t hurt their feelings at any time and tarnish the good image of Sri Lankan Tourism built over many decades. Authorities must collaborate with the media to get this message across to the people,” he said.
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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