Business
Kirkoswald Estate hosts Queen’s Baton for 2022 Commonwealth Games
Kirkoswald Estate in Hatton welcomed the Queen’s Baton, joining the traditional celebration which precedes the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Kirkoswald Estate, managed by Madulsima Plantations PLC a member of Melsta Corp Group, was one of the several locations in Sri Lanka selected to be a part of the Queen’s Baton Relay during its tour across the island. Sri Lanka was the 25th destination out of the 72 Commonwealth nations and territories to host the Queen’s Baton in a symbolic celebration which links the Commonwealth communities leading up to the Commonwealth Games.
The Queen’s Baton, which was previously on display at Victoria Dam in Digana, was warmly welcomed by a special parade organised by the students of Kirkoswald No. 1 Tamil Vidyalam and Kirkoswald No. 2 Tamil Vidyalayam. The event featured several cultural performances and saw the participation of representatives from the Commonwealth Games Association of Sri Lanka, including the President of the Association, Suresh Subramaniam. Representatives of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) and employees of Kirkoswald Estate were also present for the occasion.
“The Queen’s Baton symbolises the individuality in humanity and celebrates bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. We are honoured to be selected as one of the destinations to welcome the Queen’s Baton, as well as to represent the rich heritage of the Ceylon Tea industry. We thank the organisers and wish to recognize their support in hosting this historic event successfully,” CEO of Madulsima Plantations PLC, Mohan Fernando said.
As part of the celebration, employees were given the opportunity to carry the Queen’s Baton across Kirkoswald Estate in a show of solidarity with and support of the Commonwealth Games. Thereafter invitees and students were given a factory tour to showcase the history of Ceylon Tea.
The 140,000-kilometre journey of the Queen’s Baton began on the 7th of October 2021, at a special event at Buckingham Palace, where Her Majesty the Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth into the Baton, signifying the start of the 294-day Relay covering 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth. As it travels, the Baton aims to bring people together and host moments of celebration ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”