Business
John Keells Group partners with Unilever and LSEG for FastTrack 2022.
Introduced in 2011, the ‘FastTrack’ summer internship programme of John Keells Group, returns this year partnering with London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and Unilever Sri Lanka to provide undergraduates with a unique opportunity to participate in a four-week internship. The partnership agreement was signed on 4th July 2022 by Isuru Gunasekera – Chief People Officer & Head of Sustainability, Enterprise Risk Management & Group Initiatives – John Keells Group, Pulasthika Wirasingha Head of HR – LSEG and Ananya Sabharwal Director HR – Unilever Sri Lanka Limited.
While the three partner corporates seek undergraduates who are innovative thinkers that will challenge the status quo, FastTrack 2022 will be unique as it will be conducted online, providing the opportunity for the partners to showcase the corporate sector opportunities that exist in Sri Lanka for Sri Lankan undergraduates overseas, and those in Sri Lanka who may otherwise seek opportunities overseas.
Krishan Balendra – Chairman, John Keells Holdings PLC said, “The objective of the FastTrack internship programme has always been to engage closely with those who have the potential to be future corporate leaders in Sri Lanka and provide undergraduates from local and foreign universities, the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the diverse career opportunities within the Sri Lankan corporate sector. This year as well, despite the challenges, we are committed to showcase how companies like ours not only provide respectful and inclusive workplaces, but also contribute to our economy, drive innovation and sustainable businesses, and empower our communities.”
The interns will receive exclusive exposure to the industry sectors of Leisure, Real Estate, Consumer Foods, Retail, Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Transportation which will allow participants to learn and understand the operations of each, first-hand.
Commenting on the partnership, Fadhil Jiffry, Chief Financial Officer, LSEG Sri Lanka said, “LSEG has welcomed some of the best professionals in the country. That is why we are excited about the FastTrack programme. It is a great opportunity to introduce young graduates to a workplace that is truly shaping the world across 70 countries. LSEG is delighted to have the chance to provide our future leaders with an extensive, hands-on learning experience that will motivate FastTrack applicants to become leaders in their professions. We are excited to provide them with the chance to connect with industry leaders and bring something special to the projects they will be working on.”
During the comprehensive four-week programme, interns will receive the opportunity to enhance their soft skills, covering areas such as business etiquette, leadership and presentation skills through directed workshops, and develop critical teamworking skills through a project management experience.
They will be guided and mentored by professionals and interact with prominent business personalities and immerse themselves in practical work assignments that connect their academic backgrounds to actual career experiences.
One of the objectives of FastTrack this year is to retain young talent and bring their unique strengths and talents back to Sri Lanka to support the nation’s progress, the partners additionally stated.
In her message, Hajar Alafifi – Chairperson and Managing Director of Unilever Sri Lanka said, “Our youth are the change agents of Sri Lanka’s future. As such, we at Unilever are pleased to be a part of the FastTrack Internship Programme to inspire Sri Lankan students studying both locally and overseas to contribute to their homeland through local career opportunities. As a company committed to pioneering new models of work and grooming youth to take up space in the corporate world, this initiative will enable us to fast track the learning curve for future-ready leaders by exposing talent early on to diverse work styles & environments and extending their exposure beyond our own industry, to build external orientation and skills which are vital ingredients for effective leadership.”
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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