Business
ILO ignites spirit of youth entrepreneurship across Sri Lanka
School Entrepreneurship Day was recently conducted across Sri Lanka with over 2000 school students from the nine provinces participating at the event organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, endorsed by the Ministry of Education.
Speaking at the event in Colombo, Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha, stated ‘Today, in Sri Lanka, we commemorate Entrepreneurship Day, a momentous occasion. I extend my gratitude to the Ceylon Chamber, the ILO and all other partners and sponsors for their instrumental roles in facilitating this event. The significance of entrepreneurship has garnered substantial attention in contemporary discussions. It’s imperative that we prioritize fostering research and innovation within all our educational institutions to effectively promote and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit. This emphasis on innovation is crucial for nurturing the entrepreneurial mindset among our future generations, especially in schools.’
Secretary General and CEO of the Ceylon Chamber Buwanekabahu Perera said: “‘ This event holds great significance, especially in nurturing entrepreneurial skills among young individuals, notably within schools. Encouraging entrepreneurship early instils business acumen and fosters innovation, problem-solving, and forward-thinking mindsets. This investment in youth entrepreneurship not only builds a strong foundation for their future but also greatly contributes to the nation’s economic growth.’
Dr. Thomas Kring, Chief Technical Advisor of ILO stated ‘In our pursuit of creating meaningful and productive employment opportunities for all Sri Lankans, the promotion of entrepreneurship emerges as a crucial focus. Sri Lanka has a relatively young population, presenting a significant opportunity for the nation’s advancement. However, this potential can only be fully realized if urgent concerns like escalating unemployment are effectively tackled. Hence, the ILO is committed to fostering entrepreneurship as a strategic approach to address these challenges and harness the potential of the country’s burgeoning young population.”
Students participating at Schoolpreneur 2023 in all nine provinces, participated in a variety of engaging activities, including workshops, competitions and idea pitching, centered around the key themes of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
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.”