Business
Germany intensifying its support for Sri Lankan exporters of fresh produce
AHK Sri Lanka organising a Sri Lanka pavilion at the world’s No. 1 exhibition
In cooperation with Import Promotion Desk (IPD), the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) recently organised a webinar on ‘EU Market Requirements and Opportunities for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables’.
Participants from SMEs in the Agriculture sector of Sri Lanka participated in the virtual event. The webinar aimed to support Sri Lankan fresh fruits and vegetable exporters to increase business opportunities and the visibility of products “Made in Sri Lanka” in the EU market.
The Head of Corporate Affairs and Export Promotion at the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), Malintha Gajanayake said; “European Union (EU) is one of the most important markets for Sri Lankan exporters including the fruits and vegetables sector recording an increase of 9% (USD million) overall exports to the EU states. Germany in particular is an important market for Sri Lankan fruits & vegetable exporters. In year 2021, Germany was placed at the 5th position for exports of fruits with a value of USD 2.15mn and 9th position for vegetable exports with a value of USD 0.75 mn.
On behalf of AHK Sri Lanka, Gajanayake extended his support to the exporters of agri-food products from Sri Lanka to enhance Sri Lankan exports to Germany and the European Union, and further increase the visibility of fresh fruit and vegetable products exported to the EU.
Linda Mense, Regional Expert from the IPD Hub in Sri Lanka, provided an overview to the activities of IPD and offered further support to the Sri Lankan exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables. The webinar featured a presentation by Ferry Böhnke, external IPD Consultant for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, who informed the participants on the market access requirements, growing trends in the EU import market, the legal framework to maintain food safety and quality and the prerequisites to enter and sustain in the EU market.
In the upcoming months, AHK Sri Lanka will intensify its support for Sri Lankan exporters. Matchmaking opportunities will be continuously provided. For 2022, AHK Sri Lanka will organise a Sri Lankan pavilion at the world’s No 1 exhibition for fresh fruits, vegetables and spices “Fruit Logistica” exhibition in Berlin from 5th – 7th April 2022.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”