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INSEE Cement partners with State Ministry of Rural Roads and other Infrastructure to launch ‘CONNECT’
INSEE Cement partnered with the State Ministry of Rural Roads and other Infrastructure to launch and promote ‘CONNECT – The State Bridge Design Competition 2021’.
INSEE Cement, the largest and leading cement manufacturer in Sri Lanka partnered with the State Ministry of Rural Roads and other Infrastructure to launch and promote ‘CONNECT – The State Bridge Design Competition 2021’.
CONNECT is a ground-breaking initiative launched by the State Ministry to expedite its target of completing 2000 rural bridges by the end of 2021 under the Rural Bridge Programme. The competition will see proposals and presentations of innovative bridge designs and concepts to support the State Ministry’s mandate of developing and modernizing the rural road network and bridge system in Sri Lanka.
CONNECT will target rural bridges located outside the National Highways (Class A, B and E Roads). Competitors were encouraged to provide innovative solutions to the table. Constraints such as site accessibility, mobilization of construction material and equipment, as well as feasibility were identified as some of the key issues that had hindered the development of rural-to-urban connectivity points such as bridges in the past.
“By introducing a more competitive approach to our Rural Bridge Program, we hope to attract creative school children, ambitious undergraduates, aspiring engineers and any individual or team with innovative ideas,” commented Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake, Secretary of the State Ministry of Rural Roads and other Infrastructure. “Not only are we facilitating public stakeholder participation, we are also creating a sustainable platform for innovators to present ideas, and researchers to take their ideas to the industry. As the name of the competition suggests, we believe this will be a remarkable milestone in CONNECTing the rural economy.”
INSEE Cement supported this revolutionary initiative as assistance towards rural infrastructure development, and promoting knowledge dissemination are key focus areas of the company own mandate to drive transformation across the local construction sector.
The company also supports continuous innovation, the introduction of highly localized solution-based cement products, ready mix concrete and other building materials to meet the continuously evolving demands of Sri Lanka’s urbanization and construction industrial needs.
“Some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic infrastructure projects and constructions bear the INSEE Cement name,” stated Jan Kunigk, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Innovation at INSEE Cement. “Among them are highways, expressways and bridges. We partnered with the State Ministry of Rural Roads and other Infrastructure, understanding our responsibility as an industry leader to support the upgrading of Sri Lanka’s road networks. From the Kallady Bridge stretching almost 300 meters, to a six meter bridge connecting rural Sri Lanka, INSEE Cement is proud to support a more sustainable, connected, and flourishing rural economy.”
Interested participants can enter the competition under one of the following three specified categories; students can enter as teams or individuals with approval from the school Principal under the School category, undergraduates of any discipline can compete under the University category, and other interested individuals or entities/organizations can enter from the Open category.
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.”