Business
John Keells Group’s Start-Up-Cycle concludes with Demo Day
Plasticcycle, the social entrepreneurship project of the John Keells Group, concluded its inaugural Start-Up-Cycle initiative, with Demo Day on 28th November 2023. ‘Start-Up-Cycle’, is the challenge platform of Plasticcycle, launched in collaboration with John Keells X, the Group’s start-up accelerator, and John Keells Research, the Group’s R&D and Innovation arm, with the objective of empowering Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and innovators to address plastic usage and waste challenges through innovative and implementable long-term solutions.
With over 100 applications received by the end of September 2023, an Open Day was facilitated between solution providers and problem statement owners from John Keells Group businesses in Leisure, Consumer Foods, and Retail. The six-week programme, which commenced in October 2023 provided the applicants the opportunity to fine-tune their skills with the John Keells Group team members on essential areas such as Minimum Viable Products (MVP), Intellectual Property (IP), Financial Management, and Legislative processes.
Suresh Rajendra – President of the John Keells Group Leisure sector and Social Entrepreneurship, said “The John Keells Group launched Plasticcycle with the vision to be a catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka. Through strategic partnerships, Plasticcycle has taken its focus areas of encouraging the reduction of single-use plastics, supporting responsible disposal, and promoting recycling initiatives and innovation, outside of the Group, now making this social entrepreneurship project an integral part of the circular economy of the waste management industry. We are committed to consistently seeking the best solutions to ensure a greener future.”
8 applicants were shortlisted to pitch their business plans to the judges – Ajit Gunewardene – Founder & CEO of Bluestone Capital Private Limited, Sarojini Jayasekara – Director, Solid Waste Management of CEA, and Sharmini Ratwatte – Non-Executive Director of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, on Demo Day. The judging criteria encompassed Impact on the given Problem Statement, Cost-Effectiveness, Market and Customer Knowledge, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Competitive Advantage, Execution, and Financial Strategy.
The judges selected 3 winners – Tashini Vithanage (product: a compostable alternative for plastic cling wrap used in the hotel sector) Padmashantha Fonseka (product: a compostable alternative for plastic bento box used in the hotel sector) and Rashmi Mohotti (product: a compostable alternative for plastic take away fruit juice cup used in supermarkets), to receive the start-up funding of a collective RS. 10 million to support the further development of their proposed business ideas while working closely with the respective John Keells Group Businesses.
Ajit Gunewardene stated “At a time when environmental challenges are pressing, initiatives like this provide a platform for passionate entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and drive positive change. The commitment of John Keells to fund such endeavours aligns seamlessly with the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations. Supporting and nurturing these startups not only fosters disruptive innovation but also contributes to a sustainable future which exemplifies the synergies between corporate citizenship and entrepreneurial spirit.”
John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), is the largest conglomerate listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, operating with 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 18 Years by LMD magazine.
John Keells Holdings PLC was ranked first for the third consecutive year in the ‘Transparency in Corporate Reporting Assessment’ by Transparency International Sri Lanka. 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.
(JKH)
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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