Business
Harsha speaks as a serious economist in SJB politics
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Airing candid views on the state of Sri Lanka’s ailing economy, SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told the media recently that he would rather go home having told the truth to the people than tell fancy lies to grab political power and push the economy and the people’s lives into a greater abyss.
Making comments that would serve more or less as public opinion guidance, the SJB economist went on to say,” Today we are in a very grave situation. On the one hand, the policy action the government has taken to increase its revenue has put enormous pressure on the people. On the other hand, if the country doesn’t increase its tax revenue, the EFF programme Sri Lanka has agreed with IMF to achieve fiscal sustainability over time may collapse. In such an event, when we can’t manage on our own, who would step in to lend a hand and pull us through?”
“Some people say that we can get the issues resolved through the help of ‘Country A’ or ‘Country B’. But it is justifiable to ask whether that ‘Country A’ or ‘Country B’ would step in to help us if we fall into an economic abyss that we dig for ourselves”.
“Now an election is looming over us and the people may like to hear exciting legends. They would be hearing some sections say that ‘we don’t need help from the IMF because there is another way to raise revenue without imposing taxes. Or they may say they can bring in stolen public wealth worth USD 50-60 billion hidden by politicians in overseas safe havens, and use those funds to resuscitate the economy.
Or they would say that national assets are a treasured legacy of the nation and they needn’t be restructured for productivity. Further they would say any international trade and economic collaboration agreements would take the people’s jobs away and the country would be deprived of its economic potential. They may say that they have a programme through which they can create a better future for the people. I think those stories would only be believable to people who don’t understand any ground realities at all.”
“So what we need to decide at this point is; as different political parties, do we speak the truth to the people so that we can all unite and overcome the crisis or do we tell lies to the people again and show magic only to win the election and put the country in greater abyss? In such an eventuality, the country would be smashed to smithereens within 3-months leading to murder and mayhem on the roads. Or do we unite and work together like the tiny birds that shed the cruel hunter’s net by taking flight together as one?”
Concluding his more pragmatic narrative as the election year is just about to dawn, he noted, “At a moment the country must act in a highly responsible manner, are the alternative political forces doing the right thing? That’s an open question for all of us to ponder over. As a member of the SJB’s economic committee, I am not prepared to relate far-fetched fancy stories to the people.
I wouldn’t say to the people that there is a way out of this crisis without economic reforms, without restructuring or without modernizing the outdated ways of our handling the economy. For me, it would be better to go home having told the truth to the people instead of deceiving and making the life even more miserable for millions of people putting them in their death throes.”
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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