Business
Global reputation expert to speak on vital topic for corporate and political leaders
In a world that has lurched from VUCA to RUPT, how can businesses navigate the complexities of managing Reputation, Risk and Regulation?
The answers that leaders need – to rethink, reframe and lead through the turbulence they are experiencing, may be forthcoming at a timely talk in Colombo by Ashwani Singla, a globally-renowned reputation management specialist.
Titled ‘Negotiating the Complex landscape of Reputation, Risk & Regulation in a RUPTured World,’ the thought leadership event is presented by the Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (PRASL) as its first event for 2024, and takes place at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, the event’s Hospitality Partner, at 6 pm on Tuesday, 30th January.
The speaker Ashwani Singla, is the Founding Managing Partner of Astrum, India’s first specialist reputation management advisory, which offers science-based reputation management solutions for C-Suite and Political leaders. He is the Co-founder and former Chief Executive of Burson-Marsteller India, and was a member of the global giant’s Asia-Pacific Board. He also served as Asia MD of Penn Schoen and Berland (PSB), where he used voter insights to guide the Campaign Committee of the BJP as its campaign strategist and delivered a historic victory in 2014, in addition to maintaining a clean sweep of several state elections over the last decade.
In his presentation, Singla will answer daunting questions such as: How do we sustain and protect reputation in a naked world, where everything is visible, when the space for dialogue is shrinking, when machines become more powerful than the average Jane or Joe, and when governments cannot keep up with innovation and disruptions? How, as the conscience-keepers of organisations, do PR professionals and Corporate Communications specialists help companies sustain and protect their reputations and license to operate?
These questions are particularly of interest to businesses in Sri Lanka as the country begins a year that is projected to be extra challenging with national elections, arduous economic reforms and low growth on the cards.
Tickets for the event are priced at Rs 7,500 for members of PRASL and their invitees and at Rs 9,000 for non-members.
The Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka was formally launched in 2023 to address a long-felt need to give voice to the industry, infuse high standards, and develop the skills of professional practitioners. The Association’s objectives include gaining recognition for PR practice and enhancing its influence, fostering high professional standards and ethical practices as a valued PR industry, and bringing together and representing public relations practitioners. PRASL also aims to provide thought leadership events and networking opportunities for members to exchange ideas and professional experiences, all while keeping the interests of its members and the wider society in mind.
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.”