Business
ILO ready to work with CBSL to drive economy via MSE power
by Sanath Nanayakkare
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) which has conceptualised and introduced a viable Value Chain Financing (VCF) model for the coconut and coir industry in Sri Lanka said on Tuesday that a similar working capital model can be applied to any micro and small enterprise (MSE) sector where buyers have a strong dependencye on producers for supplies.
Ms Simrin Singh, Country Director for ILO in Sri Lanka and the Maldives said, “This means lending for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) appears to be more feasible now which has often remained outside the target of the commercial banks. The ILO is willing to work with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to set guidelines and sound practices for Sri Lanka’s commercial banks to undertake value chain financing in a symbiotic relationship with the country’s MSE sector gaining advantages from each other.”
She made these comments at a virtual session organised by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka amid the prevailing situation in the country and its impacts on MSEs.
Speaking further as to how the ILO approached industry members who were willing to advance credit to their MSE raw-husk processing suppliers with the intention of providing inputs they need to continue their exports, she said:
“ILO has had had a number of years of exposure to the industry though collaboration with the Coconut Substrate Exporters Association of Sri Lanka. Four of Sri Lanka’s largest coir and coconut related product exporters partnered with the ILO to move forward with this initiative.The partnership guaranteed that the ILO would cost share an equal amount of any loan that the company would provide to the MSE supplier as a grant, to be used for improving occupational safety and health and working conditions, machinery acquisition or similar capital investment at the suppliers’ level. Accordingly, both MSEs and buyers would benefit from the resulting improved business conditions and quality of the products. Thus far, the ILO has engaged with 93 raw husk processing suppliers which has resulted in benefits to over 1,000 working people out of which approximately 50% are women.”
“The VCF intervention is part of an ILO-led initiative in Sri Lanka to facilitate the healthy socio-economic recovery of the MSE sector from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vulnerability of this sector should not lead to exploitation and indebtedness at the hands of micro lenders of the informal sector. A significant proportion of MSEs in Sri Lanka struggle to secure working capital through formal channels for a number of reasons, including a lack of credit history or a poor credit rating or an inability to offer collateral. In searching for effective measures to help MSEs re-start or continue their business operations, the ILO introduced value chain financing as an effective and pragmatic approach to providing business owners with access to sufficient working capital.”
“For example, if the small business in question is involved in the apparel value chain, a financial institute would offer credit to the business if a reputed buyer from the apparel industry having commercial transaction with the financial institute vouches for the business. In general, VCF is a tool used to increase returns for all stakeholders and growth and competitiveness along the supply chain. In view of this pragmatic approach, commercial banks of Sri Lanka could look at this lending tool in a more favourable manner as they can rely on a symbiotic relationship with MSEs,” ILO Country Director said.
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
