Business
Johnston says no opposition in the world can match Sri Lanka’s when it comes to hypocrisy
Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando says that there is no Opposition in other parliaments that could match Sri Lanka’s when it comes to hypocrisy.
Speaking at ceremony to hand over letters of appointment to newly recruited superintendents of the Road Development Authority, at his Ministry the Minister said: “Our government under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given 40,000 jobs. In the second phase we will give jobs to 60,000 more and that would complete the pledge that we made to give 100,000 jobs. The Opposition would not see such work but goes repeating the same allegation that we do nothing. In addition, we are giving jobs to 67,000 graduates who are still unemployed. We do not consider political background of those unemployed graduates when giving jobs to them. President Rajapaksa will be remembered as a leader who fulfilled his promises without giving consideration to partisan politics.
“In constructing the Ruwanpura Expressway, we awarded the tender to a bidder who placed a bid 15 billion rupees less. Now, the Opposition criticizes us for giving the tender to the lowest bid. That’s its way. They would blame us if we give the tender to the highest bidder, or the lowest bidder or even to a bidder in the middle. That is their political hypocrisy.
“Some Opposition MPs are lamenting that the government revenue is low. We have not increased taxes despite the government revenue being low because we do not want to burden the people. Anyone with little knowledge of economics will understand that increasing public revenue by way of tax revenue is to take the money out of the pockets of people to fill the government coffers. We do not want to increase the public revenue in this manner.
“It is while shouldering economic burdens that we continue to develop this country and provide jobs to people. It is not easy, but we know that we can do this and achieve what we have promised to people in the election time. We have recruited workers to the RDA at a time when the economy is facing severe hardships, and we hope that you would render your duties to the public keeping in mind that we are under obligation to develop this country and serve the people. You could be from any political party but that does not count when you discharge your duties. You are young and capable of contributing your share to develop our motherland and to make this a better place.”
Among those present were Secretary to the Ministry of Highways R.W.R. Pemasiri, Director General of RDA Sardha Weerakoon and other senior officials.
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
