Business
Infinite Group transforms education landscape in Sri Lanka
Infinite Group, a global leader in the education sector with a presence in over ten countries worldwide, is leading the charge in revolutionising education services in Sri Lanka. Despite the economic downturn that saw the Sri Lankan economy shrink by 11.5% in the first quarter of 2023, Infinite Group has experienced a surge in applications for overseas education, processing an impressive number of applications following the 2023 A/Level exams.
With a steadfast commitment to redefining education and offering tailor-made solutions, Infinite Group is making it possible for countless Sri Lankan students through its recruitment partners to realise their dreams of studying overseas. Under the leadership of Gaurav Batra, CEO of Infinite Group, the organisation can empower its recruitment partners and their students with choices and enrich their educational experiences on a global scale.
Batra expressed his enthusiasm for Infinite Group’s contributions to the evolving education landscape in Sri Lanka, stating, “Our mission is to empower our recruitment partners and their students with choices of educational experiences on a global scale. We are committed to breaking down geographical constraints and ensuring that Sri Lankan students have access to diverse cultures, academic approaches, and career pathways. With the country’s economic downturn, affordability has become a matter of concern for Sri Lankan students considering higher education options. As per our recruitment partners, students are actively seeking opportunities to study in more affordable destinations, and we are working with our local partners to facilitate these needs.”
He added, “Our relationships have informed universities overseas of the key financial constraints Sri Lankan students face. Therefore, we have managed to facilitate various forms of financial aid and scholarships to make international education more accessible to Sri Lankan students, through the assistance of our recruitment partners. Interestingly, despite the economic crisis, Sri Lanka continues to serve as a substantial recruiting pool for foreign universities. As an organisation, we have seen a noticeable increase in the number of students opting to study abroad through our recruitment partners surpassing initial expectations. This upward trend suggests that despite economic challenges, Sri Lankan students remain determined to pursue their educational goals, making use of available opportunities offered by our partners, foreign universities and scholarships.”
According to UNESCO, in 2020, 29,000 Sri Lankans were studying abroad in higher education institutions, with significant numbers in Australia, Japan, the USA, Malaysia, and the UK. Notably, there has been a remarkable 94% increase in Sri Lankan students choosing to study in Canada in 2022 compared to 2020, with the UK recording Sri Lanka as one of the top three fastest-growing markets for UK universities in 2022, boasting a growth rate of +41.3%. The limited capacity of local universities in Sri Lanka is a driving factor behind this trend, with only 17 state universities available in the country.
The educational disparity in Sri Lanka is evident, with over 350,000 Sri Lankan students participating in A/Level examinations, yet only 42,000 students securing admission to local universities. Infinite Group with the combined efforts of their recruitment partners has played a pivotal role in reshaping the educational landscape by offering customised solutions to local partners and education providers, streamlining operations, and fostering a robust network of partnerships.
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.”
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