Business
Germany supporting Sri Lanka to keep up with latest technological developments in apparel sector
At present, Sri Lanka accounts for around 1% of the global market share of apparel exports, and Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is well positioned to reach the industry’s target of $8 billion in export earnings by 2025. With these targets in sight, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector will have very high demands for skilled technicians, especially in the area of mechatronics, where the industry is moving into advance factory automations.
In order to fulfill the demand of qualified workforce in the apparel sector, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH- Vocational Training in Sri Lanka project on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) partnered with Sri Lanka German Technical Institute (SLGTI) and MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd to commence a NVQ Level 5 Autonomation technician course to provide advanced theoretical and practical hands-on training for youth to work with the latest state-of-the-art machinery.
Prior to the commencement of the training, a Training of Trainer (ToT) course was conducted for in-company trainers at MAS in order to prepare and structure the two year training programme. In-company trainers who successfully completed the training received their certificates at the MAS Intimates facility in Ratmalana.
Speaking at the certificate awarding ceremony, Chairman of the SLGTI and CGTTI Vinod Moonesinghe said, “So far we have followed the practices from 19th century training in technical field work. It has always been a question of people going into technical colleges, theoretical learning, learning from the practice and then being thrown into the industry. Recently we have found out that this model lacks a lot. We are taking off to an entirely new trajectory as far as training is concerned. We need to train people specifically for the jobs that they will be doing in the industry. Then only we can address the job market as well as bring best overall results of the trainings”, Mr Moonesinghe said.
Head of Project, Vocational Training in Sri Lanka Project (VTSL), Mathis Hemberger said, “The philosophy of German engagement has always been to foster cooperative training where not just training institutes in the TVET sector produce the right skills, but private sector and TVET institutes jointly take the responsibility and add value. This partnership that exists between SLGTI, MAS and GIZ is a flagship example where public sector, private sector and development partners come together, join forces and create something that really has added value”.
The cooperative training approach based on the German dual system combines the advantages of two training modes (theory and industrial on-the-job training (OJT) in an integrated and coordinated process, with emphasis on the practical skills required at the shop floor. In such type of training, MAS as the industry partner and SLGTI as the public partner will share their expertise, facilities, and other specialized resources and establish a linkage between vocational training and industry.
Director-Innovation, MAS Intimates, Dr Chandika Wickramatillake said, “There’s a huge demand in MAS. We are looking to move from traditional apparel manufacturing to smart technologically advanced apparel manufacturing. We have very experienced mechanics and during the last five years, we have invested a lot in engineers. However, we have observed that there’s still a gap between mechanics and engineers, creating a need for technicians. This is a perfect time because we are looking at strengthening our staff capabilities at our factories. MAS is an international company having an ever growing global presence. These students who come from our villages will be exposed to latest technology and developments in apparel manufacturing and we need to support them. The trainers who received the certificates today have a big role to play in keeping up with technological developments, to learn and disseminate their learnings to these students. We find a lot of communication gaps because the students come from rural areas”, Dr Wickramatillake 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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