Business
KOICA provides US$ 4 million grant to RDA
The Korea International Cooperation Agency, (KOICA) provided a grant worth four million USD to the Road Development Authority (RDA) through the Ministry of Highways to implement the Enhancement of National Traffic Database and Capacity Building project. The record of discussion between the governments was signed on 30th November 2021.
The objective of the project is to produce and implement traffic data analysis and management system at the national level for better transport infrastructure development in Sri Lanka.
For the implementation of the project, KOICA engaged a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team consisting of 3 reputed Korean organisations; Neighbour System,Inc, Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements (KRIHS) and the Korea Engineering Consultants Corporation (KECC).
A team of experts pertaining to the PMC made their inaugural visit to Sri Lanka on 10th February for the project initiation and had a series of discussions with the Road Development Authority and the Ministry of Highways regarding the project implementation.
The team of six experts were hosted by the Secretary of the Ministry of Highways, R.W.R. Pemasiri on 22nd February where the experts held an inception workshop. The event was graced by the presence of the Country Director, KOICA Sri Lanka Office Kim Myung Jin, Deputy Country Directors Kim Youngwhan and Lee Gunwoo. Officials of Road Development Authority, Ministry of Highways and KOICA Sri Lanka office were also present at the occasion.
The team presented their Implementation plan moving forward, detailing the outputs and activities that are in the pipeline. The secretary of the Ministry of Highways emphasized the importance of ensuring that the capacity building components of the project are conducted targeting the young demographic of the organization enabling them to pay the knowledge forward. The parties had a lively discussion on the impact and the aftermath of the project following the workshop.
Addressing the workshop shortly, The KOICA Country Director remarked “With Korea’s advanced technology combined with the unique development experience based on the traffic DB management and traffic demand forecasting, including master plan establishment, traffic survey, and O/D survey activities, this project outcome will serve to produce a highly qualified workforce with practical traffic DB related technologies”
The secretary of the Ministry of Highways, noting the escalating congestion in the suburban areas remarked on its impact on the energy consumption as well as the environment pollution. He further remarked positively on the importance of the capacity building component of the project observing that well trained and knowledgeable manpower is one of the best assets to the Ministry.
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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