Business
Innovation meets sustainability at Hayleys Fabric’s “Nature” Forum
Sri Lanka’s largest textile manufacturer, Hayleys Fabric, hosted its inaugural Sustainability Forum ‘Nature’, showcasing a new generation of home-grown innovations with the potential to enable greater circularity in fashion globally.
Drawing together an array of distinguished industry stakeholders, the event served as a platform for Hayleys Fabric to demonstrate the versatile form and function of extensive collection of innovative textiles – each with their own unique innovations in sustainability, as well as the systemic optimisations made across the manufacturing process in pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
“Even though Sri Lanka contributes 0.03% to global pollution, it is still vulnerable to climate change given that it is one of the 33 global biodiversity hotspots. As the Ministry of Environment, we have set strict measures to counteract these changes but this is not a journey we can take alone. We need the support of all stakeholders, including corporates who are driving a green and circular economy. This is also a great opportunity for local businesses to capture and be a part of global supply chains which are striving to be green,” Chief Guest of the forum, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.
Hayleys Group Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage together with members of the Hayleys Group Management Committee were present at the forum.
“The UNSDGs are especially relevant for nations like Sri Lanka. Global apparel brands require socially responsible supply chain partners who act on this priority and demonstrate transparency. We view this as an opportunity to create sustainable innovations that can transform the global fashion industry from having one of the largest environmental footprints into a truly sustainable, circular model. In this manner, we hope to strengthen the fabric of society by knitting together a better environment for all,” Hayleys Fabric Managing Director Rohan Goonetilleke said.
The highlight of the evening was a fashion show showcasing Hayleys Fabric’s innovative product range for its global and local partners. Hosted by the manufacturer’s in-house design teams the segment launched four new collections, namely; Re-cyclo (active wear) The Refuse (athleisure), Mid-Night (casual wear) and The Tone of Nature (sleep wear).
“Re-cyclo” displayed a wide range of applications of self-coloured yarns and piece dyeing methods using 100% Recycled Polyester from PET waste in dyed and undyed forms.
Utilising recycled cotton and recycled polyester from post-consumer and pre-consumer garment wastes, Hayleys Fabric showcased innovation at its best in “The Refuse” bringing the 3R concept ‘Reduce, reuse and recycle’ into action.
Offering a glimpse into sustainable fashion, a wide range of Casual Wear designed from undyed materials were showcased with the Mid-Night collection, including innovative print techniques, such as black print made from charcoal – recycled from biomass waste.
“The Tone of Nature” collection included a Sleep Wear comfort range packed with regenerated cellulosic materials and natural dyes extracted from raw materials and natural waste, processed by in-house experts.
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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