Business
ICTA Digital Consortia: Over 1000 participants actively engage with six multinationals
The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) announced that it successfully concluded the inaugural ‘National Digital Consortia’, from 10th to 13th January 2022, in partnership with FITIS, SLASSCOM, BCS, and CSSL. The event featured 6 Global Tech Giants – Microsoft, Zoom, AWS, Google Cloud, Oracle, and Huawei. The event was a platform to present the latest products services and share insights on the latest trends in the global tech industry.
Over 1000 Participants actively engaged with the six multinationals during the four-day event.
Commenting on the event, Anura De Alwis, Chief Digital Economy Officer, ICTA, stated,
” As the apex body driving digital transformation in the nation, the purpose behind organising an event of this nature is to expose Sri Lanka to the latest developments in the technology industry. It is a first of its kind, bringing six global technology giants onto one platform. In doing so, we wanted to expose the public sector, private sector, tech industry, technology enthusiasts, and the general public to the latest happenings in technology. Thereby encouraging the adoption of digital technology”.
He also went on to say, “Digital Economy is a key pillar in the overall national digital transformation strategy. We are now in a phase of executing the national digital economy strategy, and it’s been a fantastic experience seeing our digital economy grow. The adoption of digital technology is crucial in enhancing the digital economy of Sri Lanka. For the very first time, we can now measure the digital economy, and the digital economy contribution to GDP stands at 4.37% as of today.”
The sessions showcased the latest technology trends in Agriculture, Health, Education, and Fintech. Additionally, fireside chats, case studies on digital government transformation, Cyber Security, Customer Engagement, and Transformation were some of the key topics discussed.
Google hosted the first session on the 10th of January, where they focused on innovation in agriculture, education, and eealthcare with the help of Google Cloud. The Google Cloud team thanked ICTA for the opportunity in letting them represent Google Cloud. The team valued the
engaging discussions, allowing them to understand the local market better, and look forward to more collaborative engagements in the future. Amazon Web Services (AWS) discussed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming agriculture, education and accelerating digital transformation.
Zoom hosted the second session on the 11th of January. Digital government transformation was yet another key topic discussed, followed by a panel discussion on ‘Reimagining Customer Engagement’. On the 12th of January, Oracle hosted the sessions with four simultaneous product and industry-related sessions on agriculture, healthcare, fintech, and education. Oracle thanked the organizers for the invitation to participate in the event and congratulated ICTA for taking the lead in organising a successful event.
Microsoft conducted the last session held on the 13th of January. They discussed one of the most talked-about topics during COVID-19; Cyber Security, and drove their orientation towards the digital economy. Microsoft appreciated the enthusiasm and eagerness of the audience to engage with the speakers. While congratulating ICTA for successfully concluding such a large-scale event, they expressed their willingness to work closely with ICTA on future engagements.
Huawei too, expressed their willingness to collaborate with ICTA in the future. The multinational corporations expressed that the event added much value to them and created a platform to build links to establish themselves in Sri Lanka.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”