Business
Hayleys Advantis supports mangrove regeneration: installs a pre-fabricated research lab under Advantis Blue Carbon Drive
Hayleys Advantis, the transportation and logistics arm of the Hayleys Group, recently donated a pre-fabricated research laboratory in support of the scientists involved in the accelerated natural regeneration of mangroves at Anawilundawa. This project was completed under the first phase of the ‘Advantis Blue C’ programme, which was launched as a strategic sustainability initiative with the aim of conserving and restoring blue carbon ecosystems.
In collaboration with stakeholders, such as the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Advantis Blue C will help accelerate the vital regeneration of mangroves at the RAMSAR accredited wetland, Anawilundawa. Mangroves are a vital component in the replenishment of blue carbon resources as they store over ten times more carbon compared to terrestrial forests.
Led by Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody, Chair Professor at Wayamba University and Chairperson of the National Mangrove Expert Committee, the team handling scientific research at the site, is set to gather and study valuable topographical data, floral distribution, faunal habitations, hydrological models, and soil and water samples across the site. This study will lead to an improved understanding of how mangroves propagate and which areas or conditions are best suited for the seeds to take root and thrive.
“Effective mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains one of the key challenges in the international transportation and logistics industry. With the launch of Advantis Blue C, we believe that we are doing our part to mitigate this by lending our expertise,” said Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis Limited.
Pre-fabricated and installed to minimise any construction-related impact on the environment, the new lab facility constructed by Advantis Engineering will also serve as a base of operations for international scientists and students hoping to study the mangrove system at Anawilundawa.
Additionally, Hayleys Advantis will also assist the research process by deploying its staff in the field to assist with the gathering of floral and faunal data while providing technical assistance to establish a database for all the scientific findings. This may lead to the compilation of information that can be later shared with the global scientific community.
“Our efforts to replenish Blue Carbon resources are a part of a global effort to better understand these vital ecosystems, threats faced, and necessary measures to create the conditions for nature to heal itself. It is important that we work with all stakeholders to conserve the environment. The data that we will be able to collect, thanks to the support of Hayleys Advantis, will serve as the foundation of local and global efforts to restore coastal ecosystems and effectively combat climate change,” stated Prof. Jayakody.
Group Director of Hayleys Advantis, Capt. Lasitha Cumaratunga explained, “With our involvement in marine operations, and our wealth of maritime knowledge and expertise, we took leadership to address this global challenge in alignment with our evolving ESG commitments under the ‘Hayleys Lifecode’.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
