Business
Joint business forum to facilitate Sri Lanka’s sustainable organic Agriculture initiative
Following the pursuit to support Sri Lanka’s policy to move towards sustainable organic agriculture through enhanced private sector engagement, a virtual Business Forum was recently held on the theme of ‘Sourcing agricultural inputs from Germany to strengthen Sri Lanka’s path towards sustainable and organic agriculture.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany together with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce , German Agribusiness Alliance (GAA) and Sri Lanka-Germany Business Council (SLGBC) organized the Forum providing a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the Government’s vision and efforts set forth to achieve sustainable organic agriculture. The joint effort of the Embassy along with private sector and GAA has proven that international cooperation would ultimately transform rational policy decisions into tangible outcomes.
The B2B meetings that followed the Forum enabled Sri Lankan businesses in the agricultural sector to connect with prospective German counterparts and created a conducive environment for companies to establish direct linkages in the presence of the highest level of administration of respective companies.
Kicking off the Forum, Her Excellency Manori Unambuwe , Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Germany, highlighted the Government’s efforts towards sustainable organic agriculture as a precursor to ‘repositioning Sri Lanka as a global destination for sustainable living which will bring other connected industries such as tourism, manufacturing, and investments to greater heights in the long run”.
On behalf of the Hon. Agri Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ajantha De Silva welcomed German collaboration in assisting Sri Lanka’s innovative endevour to reach its sustainable goals in agriculture sector, stating that the country has ‘identified many challenges due to lack of technical know-how and short supply of inputs in achieving expected momentum’ and would benefit from international expertise in green agriculture practices. Dr. Ajantha de Silva, Director General, Department of Agriculture meanwhile elucidated the national standard requirements for organic agricultural inputs providing much needed information for German companies.
Echoing support for the government’s vision of sustainable organic agriculture, CEO of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Manjula de Silva welcomed Government moves to permit the imports of chemical fertilizer, noting that this would ensure the balanced and sustainable development of the country’s agricultural industry.
Chairperson of the GAA Ms. Julia Harnal commended the timely organization of the Business Forum, stating that ‘German companies are looking forward to contribute to this path towards a more sustainable organic agricultural production in Sri Lanka – providing innovative solutions to apply for the entire range of sustainable farming practices.
Dr. Burkhard Schmied, Head of the Department of Agriculture Production, Horticulture and Cultural Policy, Ministry of Agriculture, Germany, highlighted that there is a real increase in demand for organic food in Germany, the export of organic food from Sri Lanka to Germany provides attractive economic prospects as many of the foods produced in Sri Lanka are also foods that cannot be produced in Germany.
As Sri Lanka is currently at a crucial juncture to strive to meet its national economic targets and essential need for supply of organic fertilizer for farming to move away from the unhealthy chemical-based agriculture practices, President of the SLGBC Mr. Mark Francis welcomed all future initiatives to foster bilateral trade and co-operation between Sri Lanka and Germany.
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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