Business
Iroshini Wijenayaka of Ideal Group represents Sri Lanka at World Women Leadership Congress
Iroshini Wijenayaka, the General Manager of Group Marketing & Communications at Ideal Group (Pvt) Ltd, was recently nominated as a Patron of the World Women Leadership Congress (WWLC), taking Sri Lanka to the international limelight, yet again. Based in Mumbai, WWLC, honors the strategic and influential role of women leaders and annually organizes the ‘Women Leadership Awards’ to celebrate the outstanding leadership and achievements demonstrated by women leaders in the region.
Iroshini shared her gratitude for being offered the opportunity to mentor fellow women and represent the nation on an international platform. “This is a great opportunity to empower and be empowered. It gives me great pleasure to be a part of WWCL, and assist fellow women of the region to successfully navigate in this competitive world. I firmly believe in empowering and uplifting each other, paving the way to follow their dreams. My long-term vision for women in business is to genuinely support each other and continuously work towards gender equality and women empowerment.”
In her career journey of two decades, Iroshini has represented several male dominated sectors of work, including sports marketing and the automobile industry. Her tenure at Sri Lanka Cricket has shone light in her career path to keep pushing boundaries and continue to challenge the societal norms of male dominated sectors of work, while achieving great heights.
Women in uncommon job roles or male dominated sectors is a topic of conversation in the current business context. As a woman who currently represents such a sector, Iroshini shared her experience at the workplace. “It is indeed challenging, but thanks to the forward-thinking work culture of the Ideal Group which stems from the Chairman himself, it continues to provide equal opportunities to all. The empowerment and guidance from fellow team members is always a breath of fresh air. All members of the Group truly believe in gender equality and constantly encourage women empowerment. The several power women currently strengthening the Group’s senior management team are a testament to this focus and I am honoured to be a part of such a team.”
Adding to her list of international recognition, Iroshini was awarded the ‘Woman of Worth’ award in 2021, by WWLC. She is also the recipient of the award ‘Most Influential Global Marketing Leaders’ in 2019, a recognition award presented by the World Marketing Congress (WMC).
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.”