Business
Govt revives crucial EU-Sri Lanka investor dialogue
Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Finance chaired the above investor forum on 31st January 2022 at the Ministry of Finance. Namal Rajapaksa -Minister of Youth and Sports, Minister of Development Co-ordination and Monitoring and State Minister of Digital Technology, D V Chanaka -State Minister for, Aviation and Export Zones Development , Tharaka Balasuriya – State Minister of Regional Cooperation also participated in this discussion.
Denis Chaibi , Ambassador for the European Union to Sri Lanka and Maldives who was the co-chair of the meeting spoke of bilateral trade and EU’s investments in Sri Lanka. He said that the dialogue was an important forum to solve the issues of EU investors and retain them in Sri Lanka in the long run”. He also stated that “the EU would like to make Sri Lanka an attractive investment destination for potential investors from the EU”.
The European Union was represented by Holger Seubert , Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Sri Lanka, Eric Lavertue , Ambassador, Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Tania Gonggrijp, Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Franceso Perale, Deputy Head of Mission , Embassy of Italy, in Sri Lanka, Arnaud Lion, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium (based in India). Jean-Alexandre Egea , Economic Counsellor, Embassy of France in Sri Lanka, Thorsten Bargfrede, Deputy Head of Mission for the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives who also coordinated this event.
Eng. Raja Edirisuriya ,Chairman – Board of Investment delivered the opening remarks and gave an outline of the over view of the economic situation, foreign investment trend in 2021 and the latest measures and regulations to support foreign investment. In conclusion the Chairman BOI stated that “Doing business in Sri Lanka has now returned to normalcy, despite what the country went through with the pandemic” He further stated that “the BOI looks forward to working closely with the EU to facilitate the existing investors as well as to encourage the existing companies to re-invest and expand their operations in Sri Lanka” .
The matters discussed at the dialogue comprised of the foreign exchange crisis in Sri Lanka, the need for a better consistency regarding investment and tax policies, the need for a streamlined, clearer and easy process to establish a company in Sri Lanka, positioning Sri Lanka as a transport and logistic hub, promoting public private partnerships to boost EU Investment in Sri Lanka, improve the trade facilitation to increase the competitiveness and efficiency of the economy, modernising the health sector.
Senior Government officials led by S R Attygala, Secretary to the Treasury, respective line agencies including Central Bank of Sri Lanka , National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Registrar of Companies, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Customs, Department of Commerce and BOI participated in the discussion.
The EU-Sri Lanka Investor Dialogue is a facilitation forum that was launched originally by the BOI in 2014, in close collaboration with the European Union Delegation in Sri Lanka. Hence it has been an effective platform for existing investors from the EU to discuss issues faced by the companies with Senior Government officials in order to find solutions. The European Chambers of Commerce in Sri Lanka(ECCISL) and the Delegation of German Industry of Commerce (AHK), along with the Deutsche Bank and leading companies from the EU such as: Michelin (Camso Loadstar) . Diesel & Motor Engineering Plc, (DIMO) B Braun, CMA CGM, Haffle International, OTV Veolia, , Calamansi Cove Villa project (Jet Wings Hotel) Baurs and Hapag-loyd, also participated in the dialogue.
Both sides agreed to continue this dialogue on a regular basis, as well as to discuss issues faced by investors from the Eu on one to one and arrange for technical sessions with the relevant agencies and respective EU Missions to follow up and to make the facilitation more effective.
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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