Business
INSEE Cement signs MOU with HIPG to improve supply chain efficiency
The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) signed an agreement with INSEE Cement, the leading cement manufacturing company in Sri Lanka, to ensure the efficient transfer of raw materials to their factory in Galle, via the Hambantota Port. This will have a positive impact on the operational efficiency.
The agreement was signed between Gustavo Navarro, chief Executive Officer of INSEE Cement and Johnson Liu, CEO of HIPG at a ceremony held at The Hambantota Maritime Center.
CEO of HIPG Johnson Liu expressed his appreciation of the partnership with INSEE saying, it would be of great mutual advantage for both parties. “INSEE Cement was Hambantota International Port’s (HIP) first customer for dry bulk cargo and we greatly appreciate the trust they placed in us. We have worked with them from 2018 and have been able to greatly increase our productivity in handling dry bulk volumes. Recognizing the value, the companies bring to each other, we decided to strengthen the partnership by entering into an agreement that will continue creating win-win opportunities that will be of mutual benefit.”
The CEO added that the port handled a dry bulk volume of over 1 million metric tonnes in 2021, for the first time exceeding the 1 million range, under a single customer, which was a milestone achievement for the port.
Gustavo Navarro, Chief Executive Officer of INSEE Cement said that working with HIPG has been a great advantage for them. “Due to the limitations we have experienced in our previous operations, we couldn’t bring bigger vessels with larger volumes. HIP has been a great business partner for us and the port came up with some creative solutions to get our raw materials delivered efficiently and in a timely manner which made a positive impact on our operation. This has not only benefited our company but also the local economy in terms of dollar savings because it reduced freight costs we otherwise paid to foreign vessels.”
Thusith Gunawarnasuriya, Director Procurement and Logistics of INSEE Cement further mentioned with HIP they were able to use larger vessels to carry their raw materials due to the port’s deep draft facilities. “HIP’s productivity levels are impressive and the quick turnaround helped us to achieve economies of scale and increase our production levels which in turn increased volumes for the port. This not only benefited Insee but our end user.”
Lance Zuo, General Manager Commercial and Marketing of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) says, “INSEE was of great assistance in developing the dry bulk cargo segment, they also brought in a dust controlling mechanism and effective implementation ensures operations are carried out in an environmentally friendly manner. Our outsourced contractors and operational staff were of tremendous support and efficient planning of manpower such as stevedoring and higher levels of communication between logistics providers and the port contributed to the success of our operations which has benefited Insee, and we will continue to provide the same high quality of service,” he adds.
The agreement with INSEE is a stepping stone for the port. HIP is fast positioning itself as a fully functional multi-purpose port with continuous training and testing of its systems for optimum efficiency, which is part of the DNA of all CMPort operations across the globe.
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
