Business
Keells join forces with customers and partners to provide relief to vulnerable communities
The on-going economic crisis in the country has left many Sri Lankans struggling to make ends meet. ‘Together for a Better Tomorrow’ the Keells community outreach program started in May 2022 and has thus far provided essential packs to over 5,000 individuals spread across the country such as Gampola, Matara, Monaragala, Jaffna, Kalutara, Hambanthota, Ampara, Colombo and suburbs.
Keells has made available the Keells Donation card priced at Rs.1500 to potential donors, across the 128 stores and the e-commerce site which individuals can purchase. 1 donation card is equal to a pack of essentials donated to a family in need. Every Rupee collected is diverted towards compiling packs of daily essentials that consist of rice, sugar, dhal, tea, salt and soya. Keells has undertaken to provide 1 additional pack for every 9 packs up to a minimum of 5,000 packs.
The generosity of Sri Lankans both local and domiciled overseas continue to amaze and encourage us even amidst the current adversity. The beneficiary identification is done with the support of Grama Niladaris, Samurdi Coordinators, Midwives and places of worship in the identified communities. The dedication and passion of the community partners Sri Lanka Unites, Voice for Voiceless and Meda Mawatha amidst trying circumstances has been a beacon of hope to many.
Moses Akash, National Director of The Voice for Voiceless Foundation said “We are blessed and honored to be a part of this great initiative at this critical time of need. People are going through the darkest time in their lives with so much trouble. The joy and smile of the people when they receive these dry rations are amazing. Some in tears of joy. Thank you to each and every donor who makes this a reality.” Prashan De Visser representing Sri Lanka Unites said “During these difficult times for Sri Lanka and its people, I am inspired to see Keells taking the initiative to support those who are the most vulnerable during this time. The Keells donation card and the donation box initiatives are helping thousands of lives in Sri Lanka. We are glad to be one of their distribution partners to ensure it reaches those that are most in need. We are currently able to help at least 50 families in every district of the country through this effort”. Beshan Kulapala, President of Meda Mawatha iterated “We are truly blessed to be part of the donation drive. While working with a very energetic team at Keells, within a very short time frame, they were able to put together an innovative donation scheme that helped thousands of needy families during this crisis.”
Several other partners have also joined this program along the way taking into account the need of the hour. Our gratitude to Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) Munchee for the contribution of a product for 5,000 packs and to Nations Trust Bank for collaborating to contribute 1 for every 9 packs bought by donors using Nations Trust Bank American Express Card.
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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