Business
John Keells Foundation mobilizes volunteers for forest restoration
John Keells Foundation mobilized the first batch of the Group’s staff volunteers in a phased tree planting initiative at the ‘Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project’ site at Suduwelipotha, Kalawana, Ratnapura District in proximity to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, in the lead up to World Environment Day 2022, under the guidance of Vimukthi Weeratuga, Senior Biologist at Cinnamon Nature Trails and Dushy Perera, President of Ruk Rakaganno.
Initiated in June 2021, and relaunched as the ‘Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project’ earlier this year, the project is a strategic, multi-sectoral collaboration on environmental and biodiversity conservation undertaken by John Keells Foundation (JKF) – the CSR entity of the John Keells
Holdings PLC (JKH), Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Ruk Rakaganno (The Tree Society of Sri Lanka), and Forest Department-Sri Lanka to reforest a degraded 59-acres of Suduwelipotha Forest located in Kalawana with native vegetation which will grow into a forest habitat similar to (and mimic) the adjoining Sinharaja Forest – the largest lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka and a biodiversity hotspot that is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The project exemplifies the potential of public- private partnerships for collective action on national causes while encouraging employee and community participation in further enhancing the impact generated.
“John Keells Foundation is delighted by the success of this first volunteer initiative under the Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project”, said Carmeline Jayasuriya, JKH’s Head of CSR. “Guided volunteer initiatives of this nature are ideal opportunities for generating experiential learning and greater awareness on forest restoration and ecology. The initiative is also very much in line with the theme for World Environment Day 2022 – ‘Only One Earth’ focusing on living sustainably in harmony with nature and exhorting collective environmental action. The enthusiastic participation of volunteers from across the Group, especially in the current challenging context, was very encouraging and more such initiatives are in planning. We will continue to undertake these initiatives in the interest of collective and transformative action for environmental conservation.”
The main task of the volunteers was to transport 580 saplings from the nurseries to the top of the ridge forming a human chain and this was no easy task considering the distance and nature of the hike.
“It was an exhausting task but the unique experience that we gained through the project was definitely worth it all. The bigger cause that we were working towards kept us going even during the few showers of rain that fell upon us during the hike”, said Janith Perera, a volunteer from John Keells Property explaining his experience.
John Keells Group – Confidential
‘Environment’ is one of the six focus areas of John Keells Foundation – the CSR entity of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate in the Colombo Stock Exchange operating over 70 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. With a history of over 150 years, John
Keells Group provides employment to over 14,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected Entity’ for the last 15 Years by LMD Magazine. Whilst being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a Participant of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of “Empowering the Nation for Tomorrow” through John Keells Foundation and through the social entrepreneurship initiative, ‘Plasticcycle’, which is a catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka.
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
