Business
Getting out of UK and EU red lists on Covid-free status seen as vital to save SL’s tourism industry
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Sri Lanka should do everything possible to obtain UK and European Union countries’ confirmation as a Covid 19 free tourist destination. Getting out of their red lists is vital. At present, the country is facing the risk of losing its highly efficient and knowledgeable tourism-linked workforce, a top tourism expert said.
“Currently, the tourism sector workforce comprises more than half a million. This segment of workers accounts for 11 percent of the total workforce in the country. But tourism is considered the worst hit segment in the country owing to this global pandemic. Due to that the government should try to get out of the red lists of the UK and EU regarding its Covid-free status. It must be considered that tourism brings the highest foreign exchange into the country, former vice president, Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association (CHSGA) Chandana Amaradasa told The Island Financial Review yesterday.
Amaradasa said that in 2018 amid all difficulties Sri Lanka received 2.8 million tourists into the country and the foreign revenue that year was US $ 4 billion. It is said that more than 2.5 million persons directly and indirectly depend on the tourism industry, he said.
Amaradasa added: “The government should introduce a wage support scheme/system for tourism employees to protect them and prevent the exodus from the industry of such workers. Some hotels have downsized their staff and some workers are experiencing huge wage cuts. If the government does not come up with a practical solution, the younger generation will never enter to this sector, in the future.
“At present there is a 22500 registered room capacity in Sri Lanka. Of this 90 percent belongs to the SME sector. Out of that 90 percent, 90 percent is run by Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
“Because of the pandemic situation, investors in the tourism sector are in deep trouble and are struggling to find ways and means for servicing their debt. Due to this, the entire hotel sector, tour operators, travel agents, transport providers, the shop and entertainment sector and airlines have been affected.
“Further, many hotels have to pay heavy bank loans. An interest waive off would give them some breathing space. The Rs. 4 billion tourism cess fund could be utilised to salvage the tourism sector.
“The UK and EU markets bring high spending tourists to Sri Lanka. Therefore, to protect the industry the government should expedite getting out of the relevant red lists and promote Sri Lanka tourism through travel agents and other related institutions.
“In 2019, the contribution of travel and tourism to the GDP of Sri Lanka was 12.6 per cent. This quantum increased from 6 percent in 2000 to 12.6 percent in 2019, growing at an average annual rate of 4.28 per cent.”
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
