Business
High-profile UK delegation explores Unilever’s operations at Horana factory
A delegation led by Lord Davies of Abersoch, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka and Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka visited Unilever Sri Lanka’s factory in the Horana BOI Zone recently to experience the facility’s advanced capabilities in manufacturing, social and environmental governance.
The esteemed delegation was given a tour of the Horana factory to witness first-hand, the local production of some of the best-known global British brands, and understand key sustainability initiatives, community engagement activities and upskilling programmes spearheaded by Unilever in Sri Lanka. Unilever’s manufacturing journey in Sri Lanka began with the setting up of its first manufacturing facility in 1940 which was subsequently relocated to Horana in 2012 with an investment of LKR 5 billion. In 2017, a further investment of LKR 7.5 billion was made to transform it into a state-of-the-art facility. Today some Sri Lanka’s best loved brands including Sunlight, Lux, Lifebuoy, Signal, and Pears Baby are manufactured at the Horana factory.
Lord Davies of Abersoch, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka added, “We were amazed to see the capabilities of the Horana factory which reflect strength and innovative spirit of Sri Lanka, made possible by Unilever Sri Lanka leadership’s commitment to developing a competitive business environment and focusing on developing specialized talent and expertise. I was pleased to learn how these brands have become local household favourites and Unilever Sri Lanka’s pivotal role for over 85 years in raising the industrial sector’s contribution to the national economy. I am keen to support British companies as they look to enter or grow their existing business with Sri Lanka improving ease of doing business and to support Sri Lanka’s path towards sustainable economic recovery.”
Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka noted, “I am happy to see Unilever Sri Lanka’s Horana factory employ some of the latest technologies and advanced solutions in the fields of manufacturing and warehousing, in addition to maintaining the high standards of sustainability and alternative energy. I am pleased that Unilever has recently laid the foundation for a new factory and invested in an ambitious solar project at the Horana factory, which further demonstrates the company’s long-term plans and commitment to the Sri Lankan market.”
Commenting on the occasion, Hajar Alafifi, Chairperson and Managing Director, Unilever Sri Lanka said, “We were honored to host the distinguished UK delegation led by His Excellency Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Lord Davies of Abersoch, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, and other UK dignitaries at our Horana premises.
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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