Business
Govt commended by Japanese Ambassador for its role in improving business environment
BOI urges Japanese investors to take advantage of Colombo Port City project
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Sri Lankan Government is playing an appreciable role in improving the investment environment to attract foreign investments to Sri Lanka, Akira Sugiyama, Ambassador for Japan in Sri Lanka said recently.
He said that ‘Public-Private Joint Forum’ held for Japanese companies in Sri Lanka provides an opportunity for Japanese companies to discuss and resolve issues faced by them with the cooperation of the Sri Lankan government.
The Ambassador made these remarks at the Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2021, held through June 7-9 on a virtual format.
“A good relationship is not only the connection between countries, but also the connection between people. The deep relationship of trust between business people in both countries is cultivated through trading and it supports bilateral relations”.
He pointed out the importance of Japanese style management method “5S” (Organisation, tidying, cleaning, cleanliness, discipline) which is widely used and how it has contributed greatly to the improvement of the quality of the labor force in Sri Lanka. In terms of human resource development, Japan-Sri Lanka Technology and Culture Association (JASTECA) plays a central role,” he said. The Ambassador concluded by assuring the best possible cooperation towards business and investment in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, BOI Chairman Sanjaya Mohottala said, “Japan has been a long-standing partner of Sri Lanka’s growth, particularly supporting the country’s infrastructure development and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and technology as a pioneer investor.”
“The Japanese service sector is now presented with a great opportunity to benefit from the economic tailwinds and the growth that Sri Lanka has to offer by taking advantage of the Port City project.”
Sri Lankan Ambassador in Tokyo, Sanjiv Gunasekara said, “There is more that we can do in the way of economic relations between the two countries. Specifically, in the areas of information technology, software development, high tech manufacturing, agriculture and pharmaceutical industry.”
Tadashi Ogura, Chairman, Noritake Co. Ltd, Japan mentioned the advantages of access to priority export markets such as India and Pakistan and the EU.
Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer- Colombo Stock Exchange spoke on investing in the Financial Market in Sri Lanka said, “The CSE has been one of the fastest growing markets in the region, giving attractive returns. The Daily Average Market Turnover for the year is at USD 22mn and our valuations at 13.5 times is attractive relative to other markets in the region. Our dividend yield is at 2.4 %, which is higher than most other markets in the region. Corporate profits of our listed companies are at an all time high. Higher returns and lower valuations of the CSE compared to regional peers makes the Colombo Stock Exchange an attractive investment option.”
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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