Business
Hasini Gunasekara recognized as one of South Asia’s Outstanding Contributors to Women’s Empowerment
India, August 2022 – Hasini Gunasekara, entrepreneur, Director of Naturals salon chain in Sri Lanka, and Managing Director of International Academy of Beauticians was recognized as an outstanding contributor towards women’s empowerment and was awarded the Woman Influencer Award at the recent South India Miss & Mrs – 2002 Award Show organized by the All India Hair and Beauty Association. This recognition was awarded for her exemplary efforts in providing a platform for women to pursue a profession and be economically independent through Naturals Lanka Grooming (Pvt) Ltd. She was instrumental in taking Naturals, India’s No. 1 salon chain, international.
“The journey of an entrepreneur can be difficult with most of the motivation being self-driven. In an environment of uncertainty, receiving this recognition and to be on the same platform alongside professionals of another country was an amazing experience,” Hasini shared, “I feel proud knowing that the community in India recognized my efforts and it is a great encouragement for me to know that I have reached beyond the boundaries of my country.”
Naturals Lanka Grooming (Pvt) Ltd is the chain of franchisee salons based in Sri Lanka, operating with 100% local ownership. “Franchising was a novel concept in the Sri Lankan business world at the time we decided to launch Naturals Sri Lanka. However, it proved to be a successful concept. With the support of my team, I have been able to expand and today we are seven salons strong,” she said.
Established in 2017 in Boralesgamuwa, Naturals salons have since expanded to Nugegoda, Thalawathugoda, Kiribathgoda, Kotahena, Wattala, Kandana and have empowered women by providing opportunities for financial independence through direct employment, beauty education and encouraged entrepreneurship through franchise opportunities.
Groom Sri Lanka is Hasini’s key vision for her customers. “I want everyone to take care of themselves and have that personal confidence for themselves. One of my biggest dreams is for all Sri Lankans to have access to affordable, comfortable luxury services for personal grooming.”
The International Academy of Beauticians was established by Hasini to provide high quality hairdressing and beauty education, in a safe space for all students and supply employable skills to the industry.
“There is a lack in harnessing good talent in the industry. I want to popularize the concept of intrapreneurship where stylists can progress in their careers without financially investing into a business, improve their skills, earning capacity, and for the beauty industry to be a sought-after industry to be employed in. My academy aims to provide education on par with international standards ensuring qualified stylists can find employment in any part of the world,” she explained her plans for the growth of the industry.
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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