Business
Job market outlook for apparel sector remains neutral
Hiring jumps in food and beverages sector anticipating upcoming festival demand
According to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index of the Central Bank, employment in the manufacture of textile and wearing apparel sector remained in the neutral threshold during the month of February 2021.
However, employment expanded at a higher rate in February compared to January, particularly in the manufacture of food & beverages sector, in-line with increase
in production, the report indicated.
The report further states: “Manufacturing PMI sustained its expansion in February 2021 recording an index value of 59.4, owing to the expansion in production and new orders. Further, stock of purchases and employment as well as suppliers’ delivery time remained expanded supporting to sustain the overall manufacturing sector PMI at an elevated level.”
“Production sub-index increased during the month, especially in the manufacture of food and beverages sector, anticipating the upcoming festival demand while new orders
recorded a high index value. Further, the manufacture of textile and wearing apparel sector also recorded healthy index values with regard to new orders and production.”
“Although Production expanded at a higher pace, the stock of purchases expanded at a slower rate mainly due to the piled-up stocks during the previous month, owing to anticipated supply disruptions due to Chinese New Year holidays.”
“Further, the suppliers’ delivery time sub-index lengthened at a slower pace
during the month. Expectations for manufacturing activities in the next three months
remained at improved levels with the expectation for the normalisation of economic activities within the country as well as in major export markets.”
“Services PMI increased to 56.5 in February 2021 indicating a further improvement in
the services sector. This increase was underpinned by the expansions observed in new
businesses, business activities and expectations for activity. New businesses increased in February 2021, particularly with the improvements observed in financial services, other personal services and real estate activities sub-sectors.”
“Business activities in the services sector increased in February 2021 for the third consecutive month. Transportation and financial services sub-sectors recorded an improvement during the month with the normalisation of economic activities. Further, the business activities in education sub-sector expanded in February 2021 due to
new intakes of students to higher education institutes after G.C.E. Advanced Level examination. Moreover, other personal services and real estate activities sub-
sectors also experienced an increase in business activities in February 2021,” the report 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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
