Business
Gnanam Education Trust empowering employment and self-reliance
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
In early 2011, Gnanam Education Trust (GET) was established as a non-profit organisation in memory of A.Y.S.Gnanam to provide education to the underprivileged. As its first initiative the Trust established a training Centre in Vavuniya for teaching English, Sinhala and IT Skills for people who face difficulties in spending on education. Many young students in the area have benefited from this exercise.
” Due to high demand among youth as its second initiative GET was established as Professional Skills Development Centre (PSDC) in Jaffna with state of the art classrooms to provide the same services in Jaffna, the Centre Manager Hylin Rajeevan Ratnam told the Island Financial Review .
She said that the GET is now registered under TVEC to provide NVQ Level courses to the students. Apart from that, the next intake of students for the Certificate in English Language would commence in February2022 and this would be followed by a Certificate Course in Sinhala.
“Our aim is to improve the students’ motivation and to help them to find suitable employment for them. Therefore, students of both genders are studying and we have also started a special programme for female self employed students to manage their day to day basic business accounts, ” she said.
In a bid to enhance students’ speaking skills a Toastmaster Speech Craft Training program too would be held. “One of our most sought after courses are the Certificate in Computer Applications (NVQ3level) and Hardware courses for students looking at future ICT sector employment. PSDC Center after studying the future emerging HR trends also conducts Area Tourist Guides programme with the assistance of Sri Lanka Northern Tourist Board.
“In a bid to get youth involved in the agriculture sector and add modern techniques to it, we will soon launch an Agri -Training programme as well.”
“One of the other key areas the trust focuses on is the Teacher Training programme on Activity based Zonal English (ABOE) which is being conducted with the assistance of Jaffna Zonal Education Department.”
“We also pay an incentive for those studying with us. Our Vision is to provide innovative, effective and integrated training for people in skills they need to enjoy the dignity that comes with employment, independence and self-reliance,” Ratnam said.
Administrative Assistant PDSC in Jaffna Vithusha Nilojan Deluxshan said that they have already produced around 100 qualified students and around 60 are currently following courses. There are around 15 volunteer teachers and we also get foreign volunteers from time to time.This institute was mainly initiated by Managing Director, Rhino Roofing Products Ltd Jey Gnanam. Furthermore, PSDC in Jaffna provides other educational services and opportunities as needed by the local society to arm them with the skills needed for securing gainful employment. This includes career guidance from the many stakeholders that have become associated with those that are in the companies started by its late founder.
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.”