Business
Grow opens new Sri Lanka office to aid the adoption of blockchain and Web 3.0
Sri Lanka is aligning with innovation and accelerating into a new, digital-centric space, with the government working to create an inviting regulatory environment for blockchain use-cases to flourish, offering the country fresh and entirely new economic verticals.
One such enterprise capitalizing on Sri Lanka’s progressive approach to emerging technology markets such as Metaverse and Web 3.0 , is start-up incubator and 360 service provider, Grow. Recognizing the exciting growth potential that Southern Asia has to offer, the company has set up an operating base in Colombo, a move they hope will inspire others to follow.
The team’s new office, which is situated in One Galle Face Tower, recently welcomed the Sri Lankan Cabinet Minister for Youth and Sports, Namal Rajapaska to its opening. “We are proud and happy to have you guys here as young entrepreneurs in the blockchain technology sector, and taking Sri Lanka, leading Sri Lanka into the new era. As a government, myself, my secretaries here, the central bank, deputy governors, all of us, are excited to be here today and to welcome you all.”
“I’m sure this is going to be the incubator for many, many start-ups on the blockchain technology opportunities that are coming out in Sri Lanka and also in the region. So, congratulations, and our support is there. So, we want to see you working hard. I can assure that we as a government will support you 100pct. There are certain positive changes that we are looking at to facilitate you more in this part of the industry, and we will look at that in a very positive way and work together going forward,” Rajapaska said.
Speaking from the opening celebration, Founder and CEO, Peter Carroll said, “New technological economies are combining with widespread technological infrastructure and forming the building blocks of our economic future. The ways in which they are utilized and regulated will define social mobility for the youth of today. At Grow we firmly believe these times are part of a shift, from the innovation phase of a technology breakout to the early adoption phase of the blockchain based industries of Web 3.0.”
“As the opportunities unfold, we are seeing huge potential in Blockchain Gaming and the Metaverse, we believe with forward thinking leadership Sri Lanka can take a central role as an ecosystem driver for these fresh and exciting verticals.”
Sri Lanka and Port City Colombo, if developed correctly, could become one of the world’s leading hubs for frontier technologies. If the government can facilitate a “sandbox” environment for Web 3.0’s brightest minds, then the seeds of innovation may have fertile soil on which to grow. The opportunity is clearly one that excites Carroll.
“I mean, think about it, what drives an entrepreneur? Building! We build ideas, products, and businesses, so what could be more exciting than being here in Colombo and helping to build the people, economy, and tech infrastructure of a $120bn state-of-the-art Smart City? For us, the answer is simple: nothing! We want to engage with the Blue Chip companies of Web 3.0 like Animoca Brands, Polygon and encourage them to help us drive opportunity, to educate and build traction because we believe Central and Southern Asia can drive real adoption.”
GROW provide Web3 builders with idea curation, marketing support and an advisory network of leading experts in an effort to facilitate real world impact of blockchain technology. Let’s Grow Together. For more information, visit www.thegrowgroup.com.
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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