Business
Hela becomes the first apparel manufacturer to extend the globally-recognised P.A.C.E. program to Egypt
July 2022, Colombo Sri Lanka, Hela Apparel Holdings successfully concluded its first P.A.C.E. graduation at its manufacturing facility in Egypt on the 28th of June 2022, making the company the first apparel manufacturer to implement the globally-recognised employee empowerment initiative in the country.
The ceremony certified 28 Egyptian team members as the first batch to be trained under the Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement (P.A.C.E.) program, along with 13 Egyptian trainers under the P.A.C.E. Train the Trainer program. This achievement marks a landmark expansion of this global initiative with the support of one of Hela’s strategic customers PVH Corp, the owning company of leading global brands including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.
P.A.C.E. is a foundational life skills training program designed to improve skills such as communication, problem-solving and decision making, time and stress management, legal and financial literacy, general and reproductive health, and water, sanitation and hygiene among female apparel workers. As a social capital-focused company, Hela aims to provide all team members across its global footprint with access to the P.A.C.E. program. This ensures that they have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills, strengthening their confidence levels while embedding equality and inclusivity across the group.
“The establishment of Hela’s first manufacturing facility in Egypt earlier this year was a key milestone for the company, and I’m extremely pleased we were able to roll out the P.A.C.E. program within just a few months. We’ve been impressed by the enthusiasm for the initiative among our Egyptian team members and seeing how the participants have developed their knowledge and skills through the program brings me immense pride. As a social capital-focused company, we believe in equal opportunities and access to resources for all employees across the group. I take this opportunity to congratulate all 28 P.A.C.E. graduates and certified trainers on their achievement” said, Sanath Amaratunga, CEO of Hela Kids Wear.
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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