Business
High-profile forum held to support Sri Lankan exporters of organic products
Market access and export earnings
More than 150 decision makers of European importers, retailers and wholesalers met and discussed virtually with certified Sri Lankan exporters of organic products in presence of the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Prof. Udith Jayasinghe, German Ambassador Holger Seubert, Head of Development Cooperation of Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka, Country director of GIZ Christiane Einfeldt and Chief Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka Andreas Hergenroether.
On the occasion of a virtual business delegation, which consisted of some of the world’s leading retailers such as REWE, Lidl and Metro as well as specialized importers of organic food such as Kreyenhop & Kluge, Clama, Horst Bode, ISKG and Rila, an integrated conference and individual B2B-meetings have been organized by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) in cooperation with GIZ. The event co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The major objective of the initiative is to support Sri Lankan exporters of organic products by matching them with European buyers and importers. During the upcoming days European buyers will be individually matched according to their specific requirements with Sri Lankan exporters. In the course of the preparation of the B2B-meetings by AHK Sri Lanka the importance of standards and certification became evident. Apart from the legally required certifications in the EU there are specific consumer and industry driven standards that are required by European importers when it comes to quality, food security as well as sustainability. Today, it is not sufficient to obtain a European organic certification, but industry and consumer driven certifications such as IFS, BRC, ISO 22000 or BSCI, SA 8000, SMETA etc. must be obtained to get a broader market access to the EU.
Market access and future export earnings will depend very much on the ability to meet these requirements and standards. The potential is tremendous. Today, the Organic World Market is about 110 billion USD. The EU with its 27 EU-member states with a total population of 450 million inhabitants is the second largest single market with a continuously growing volume in retail sales of 41,4 billion USD behind the US. Within the EU Germany is the largest organic market with a volume almost 12bn. USD and equally the second largest organic market in the world. The organic market recorded a growth rate of 8% in the EU. Within the EU the largest growth rate was recorded in France with 13,4%. During the last decade organic market values have more than doubled.
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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