Business
Indian HC and Minister of Ports discuss expansion of maritime and aviation services between the two countries
A special discussion was held on June 09, 2023 at the Ministry office between Gopal Baglay, the High Commissioner of India, and Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation. The aim of the meeting was to engage in fruitful discussions regarding the enhancement of maritime and aviation services between India and Sri Lanka. Several measures to elevate bilateral relations between the two countries were also discussed.
The Indian High Commissioner highlighted during the discussions that Alliance Air, an Indian airline, had successfully completed 100 flight operations between Madras and Palali airports.
The current demand for air travel between these two destinations is significant and recognizing this development, the Minister requested the Indian High Commissioner to enhance the number of flights connecting these destinations and explore the potential to extend flights from Madras to Palali, upto Ratmalana.The Indian High Commissioner expressed consent for a positive feedback after discussions with relevant authorities. He also mentioned that Sri Lanka’s request for a soft loan facility from India to extend the runway at Palali airport is currently being evaluated. “India is actively considering providing assistance for the requested infrastructure improvement”, he said.
With reference to the ongoing talks regarding the initiation of a passenger ferry service connecting the two nations, the Indian High Commissioner highlighted the potential for a favorable outcome following thorough deliberations on the relevant matters by the Joint Committee established in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed upon by both parties in 2011.
The minister emphasized the need to accelerate the launch of the passenger ferry service between the two countries, recognizing its significance in providing greater convenience for low-income pilgrims from Sri Lanka who wish to visit Bodhgaya and other Buddhist religious sites in India. Furthermore, he expressed Sri Lanka’s continuous readiness to welcome passenger vessels adhering to international standards from any Indian port.
He also emphasized that the merger with Indian Railways, following the commencement of the passenger ferry service, would greatly enhance transportation facilities for pilgrims visiting Bodhgaya and other religious sites. He requested the full assistance of the Indian government in support of this endeavor.The First Secretary to the Indian High Commission (Commerce and Culture) Irina Thakur also attended the discussion.
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
