Business
George alerts Sri Lanka Tourism: an investigation for alleged negligence by transportation agent
On 1st October Sri Lanka Tourism announced a relaxed, bubble free experience for international visitors who had completed COVID vaccination protocols and arriving in the destination with a negative PCR test taken prior to leaving the home country.
In response, a traveller from the United States speaks of having come to Katunayake on 7th October via Maldives and Istanbul, and claims on a YouTube video that is being circulated widely, that he arrived in Sri Lanka after conforming to all visa requirements as stipulated by our Embassy in Washington and keeping to vaccination protocols to find on arrival that the local car rental company had failed to send a representative to receive him at the airport, this has led him to venture out and stay at a hotel close to the airport and try to venture to Sri Lanka on his own, found it difficult to find alternative transport and being disappointed had left the country, in just five hours.
Sri Lanka Tourism understands and sympathises with the plight of Mr. George from the U.S.A. who found himself with no transport and no agent in Colombo, and has contacted the agent named by him and taken steps to inquire into why the said agent did not keep to his undertaking. While steps are being taken to inquire into the incident it has also to be taken note of that an incident of this nature, though very rare, can happen in the post COVID scenario of ‘on off lockdowns’ which most countries are operating on and in no way tarnishes the image of Sri Lanka. This is confirmed by Mr. George himself who says in the same video that he is looking forward to a visit.
The revival of the tourism industry is of utmost importance to the Sri Lankan economy and Sri Lanka Tourism understands the key role played by both the private and public sector to ensure that tourists arriving to the Island have positive and unforgettable experiences. The Authorities call on the industry to ensure that their teams are refreshed on service standards and are instilled with the importance of providing service experiences that are in keeping with expectations of all tourists, both domestic and international.
Sri Lanka Tourism is happy to announce that despite the pandemic the Island remains a top of the mind destination, and that Sri Lanka has received many positive accolades notwithstanding the border closures and no physical arrivals into the country. With the recent movement in international travel, Sri Lanka has seen an exponential interest which will result in increased arrivals, and is being aided by increased connectivity, with new airlines commencing operations and an increase in routes of existing airline partners.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
