Business
Jetwing and MMBL Pathfinder in a Premier Houseboat Joint venture
Cruising the placid waters of the Bentara River, Yathra Houseboat by Jetwing is a pioneering hospitality venture by one of the country’s best known hospitality brands – Jetwing Hotels and MMBL-Pathfinder which teamed with Jetwing on a Jaffna star-class hotel.
Inspired by the Kettuvallam, the wooden-hulled, thatched houseboats ferrying tourists along the rivers of Kerala, Yathra shares its concept with “padda” boats used in olden Sri Lanka to transport goods along the country’s river system, a news released on the joint venture said.
“Designed by renowned environmental architect Sunela Jayewardene and building on Jetwing’s commitment to eco-luxury, the Houseboat provides elegant accommodation and modern amenities in its two cabins, replete with a rustic teak, bamboo and timber ambiance and en-suite bathrooms complete with a rain shower and bathtub,” the release said.
“Aboard Yathra Houseboat by Jetwing, you will find spacious air-conditioned living quarters and an open-air lounge, which invites you to let your hair down and watch the serene, tranquil environment of the Bentara River and its stunning aquatic birdlife. The deck, comfortably seats six to eight guests, also serves as your picturesque dining space to enjoy a starlit dinner, with meals prepared using the finest ingredients including freshly caught prawns and crabs, or afternoon tea under a glorious sunset.
“Adding to the appeal of the Houseboat, it is located just three kilometres away from the beaches of the Bentota Tourist Resort, while Lunuganga – Geoffrey Bawa’s iconic riverside home – is just around the corner. Once the planned relocation of Yathra Housboat to Horawala is realized, tours will take nature lovers all the way up to Avittewa and beyond, a journey that covers approximately 18 km from Bentota,” it added.
The release said that despite the setbacks brought on by the global pandemic, Jetwing and MMBL-Pathfinder remain optimistic about the future of tourism in the island and the enchanting allure of this riverine hospitality experience, which is currently popular with domestic travellers, particularly honeymooners.
With the easing of travel restrictions and the pick-up of global travel, the associates aboard this unique home of true Sri Lankan hospitality look forward to welcoming travellers from across the world to the serene backwaters of the Bentara River, the JV partners said.
“Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 48 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment,” the release said.
“In line with the Jetwing Hotels Sustainable Strategy, across all properties sustainable and responsible practices are given precedence with resource efficiency, community upliftment and education, and awareness being some of our key focus areas.”
MMBL-Pathfinder is a privately held investment group with an investment portfolio that spans a broad range of sectors. It has a wide international network, which facilitates forming strategic alliances with global brands and leading local companies, the release said.
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.”
