Business
Insights on educational opportunities available in the UK for Sri Lankan students
The Students Visa, a premier student migration consultancy hosted the “Educate to Elevate” panel discussion at Hatch Works, Colombo. This event aimed to shed light on the boundless educational opportunities available in the United Kingdom, a country renowned for its prestigious higher education system.
Sri Lanka is a significant market for UK higher education, particularly in the realm of transnational education. In recent years, Sri Lanka has recorded the third-highest number of students pursuing UK qualifications internationally. Each year, approximately 160,000 Sri Lankan students are ready for tertiary education. However, with state universities able to enrol only 42,000 students annually, competition for these limited spots is fierce. In 2022, only 23% of the 166,938 qualifying students gained admission to state universities. As a result, around 29,000 students seek higher education abroad each year, with an additional 60,000 engaging in various academic programs.
The UK remains a highly desirable destination for international students, attracting about 460,000 new students annually. The “Educate to Elevate” panel brought together distinguished figures from the UK’s higher education sector to discuss how Sri Lankan students can navigate their academic futures abroad.
The esteemed panel included Nitin Bhasson, Territory Manager – South Asia at the University of East London; Kranthi Reddy, Regional Manager at the University of Wolverhampton; Ayush Gupta, Country Manager – India & Sri Lanka at De Montfort University; Srishti Birla, Student Recruitment Officer at Birmingham City University; Abhishek Kumar, Country Head UK at Infinite Group; Thilina Rajapaksha, Senior Country Manager at Apply Board and Anoiline T. Thevaranjan, Senior International Recruitment Manager. The discussion was moderated by Raees Ul Haq, CEO and Founder of The Students Visa.
The Students Visa plays a pivotal role in connecting prospective students with prestigious institutions and universities worldwide. They provide assistance with the admission process, scholarships, and visa procedures.
Thilina Rajapaksha highlighted the trend of increasing student migration to the UK, noting, “Approximately 5,700 students went to the UK from Sri Lanka in 2023. It’s crucial to avoid fraud; genuine migration agents do not charge fees beyond what is specified on university websites. Students should verify the credibility of agents through the British Council.” He emphasized the strong relationships The Students Visa and Apply Board maintain with universities, allowing access to exclusive scholarship opportunities.
Abhishek Kumar pointed out, “The UK boasts a visa acceptance rate exceeding 95%. British universities are globally recognized for enhancing critical and creative thinking skills, equipping students with the necessary tools for career success. Studying in the UK offers valuable work experience opportunities through internships, part-time jobs, or post-study work visas.”
Srishti Birla underscored the competitive edge of UK universities, stating, “UK institutions are among the world’s best, often ranking in the top 100 globally. The Quality Assurance Agency ensures high standards of learning. The shorter degree programs, like two-year degrees, save students time and resources. Scholarships are plentiful, and many Sri Lankan students excel without needing to take the IELTS exam due to their exceptional English proficiency.”
The Students Visa provides a comprehensive, free service for students aspiring to study in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Their services include assisting with university applications, financial management advice, visa procedures, pre-departure services, and post-graduation support.
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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