Business
Hilton supports Dilmah’s empowering efforts inspiring the next generation of chefs
‘Empower’
The Hilton, Colombo supported a visit by the students of the current intakes of the Empower Culinary & Hospitality School (ECHS) which introduced them to all aspects of a hotel and its inner workings.
An industry social initiative by Dilmah’s MJF Foundation, ECHS has trained 174 individuals and allowed them access to rewarding careers in the hospitality industry since 2016 and is the only free, fully accredited World Association for Chefs’ Societies (WACS) in Sri Lanka, a Dilmah news release said.
The students who will graduate in May 2021 had the privilege of receiving first-hand insight into hotel operations in one of the World’s first & finest Global Hospitality Chains and were treated to a personalised star class tour of The Hilton Colombo. The tour included a Q&A session, a guided kitchen & room visit and a fine-dining experience, it said.
The release added that Dilmah’s ECHS values hands-on practical and professional exposure for its students, ensuring that they are kitchen ready by graduation.
“The whole experience enriched my exposure to the world of hospitality and inspired me to work my way towards my aspirations,” said Shehan Phillip, a student from ECHS West. He further expressed his gratitude to the Hilton for their hospitality and kindness.
The ECHS helps youth who are traditionally inclined to vocational training, those unable to pay for their education and who have a passion for cooking but may have had a hard time succeeding in the industry or discover new pathways for their future. For many, like Abhilajini from Batticaloa, the visit to Hilton was their first-ever tour to a hotel and fine-dining experience, the release said.
“I am grateful to the Hilton Hotel Colombo and Dilmah for giving students like us from the East, the chance to go into the culinary scene outside of where we live.” – Abhilajini
“We are delighted to have the ECHS students from the East & West at Hilton today. By extending our support to Dilmah’s initiative, we are glad to be a part of empowering the future of the country in the smallest way possible.” said Manesh Fernando, Area General Manager, Hilton Colombo
The culinary boot camp at ECHS is designed to equip youth with skills and knowledge that will enable youth to turn their passion into a career and reach new heights in the industry down the road. At every intake, the ECHS students get practical exposure to various concepts they have learned in the class. By working with some of the accomplished instructors and chefs in the country and around the world, the students learn everything from gastronomy to personality development through a well-tailored curriculum that meets the global standards 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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