Business
HIP in a major drive to promote transshipment of used vehicles
The marketing team of the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) visited Japan during the last week of August, to increase awareness and aggressively market services offered by the Hambantota International Port (HIP), especially RORO which is currently the core business of the port, a company news release said.
“The HIPG team lost no time in taking advantage of the first opportunity that presented itself post travel restrictions being lifted, to meet with the Sri Lanka Automobile Association in Japan (SLAAJ) and Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association (JUMVEA) to promote HIP as an ideal transshipment hub,” it said.
“The leading used vehicle exporter opened up opportunities for the team to meet with Japan’s foreign ministry officials and other higher ups. The HIP team met with Yokohama Port president Shinsuke Itoh, and port officials with whom they had successful discussions to collaborate with HIPG for RORO Operations and related matters.”
“The RORO Business expanded rapidly in the last few years owing to the highly efficient services the port provides and HIPG actively engaging with shipping lines and working together with them to bring in RORO cargo for transshipment via the port. However, we believe more needs to be done in positioning Sri Lanka, primarily because of our location, quality of service and the cost effectiveness of using HIP as a transshipment point.
“We were very happy to note the reception we received from shipping lines and exporters in Japan which was very positive. We did a thorough study before making the visit to identify the parties whom we should meet and discuss for results” says Bindu Ranasinghe, the Deputy General Manager, Commercial and Marketing, HIPG.
The team met with five shipping lines including the three major shipping lines engaged in RORO business, and discussed current business conditions, potential of HIP for RORO operations and the port’s future plans. They also had discussions with used car exporters who showed interest in transshipment via HIP, the release said. In light of current challenges faced by RORO operators, the HIP team was able to drive home the advantages and benefits of transshipping via the port.
Tissa Wickramasinghe, Chief Operating Officer of HIPG said, “the primary objective of the tour was to expand our business avenues and the used car exporter segment is one such. We have observed the large numbers of vehicles being exported from Japan to Africa and the Middle East and wanted HIP to look for opportunities in this area.
“The Port has the advantage of having a large acreage of parking areas, which is unavailable in many other countries. This was a key point of attraction to the exporters and we are now exploring other opportunities to carry out Value Added Services at the port. Also, another new area of business that was discussed in detail was the availability of bunkering services for Ships passing Hambantota. HIP will pursue this new business opportunity with our strategic partner Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka, and bring in more USD revenue to the country”.
“Our target is to increase the port’s transshipment volumes, taking advantage of its strategic location, high productivity and the quality of service offered,” the COO added.
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
