Business
Korean firm in talks to manufacture mobile phones in Sri Lanka
Micro Electric International, local partner for joint venture
Renowned Korean mobile phone company, Lodule International Ltd., is in talks with the Lankan authorities to launch an international joint venture with a Sri Lankan counterpart to manufacture mobile phones in Sri Lanka, a press release from the Sri Lankan embassy in the Republic of Korea said.
The release adds-
‘The CEO of Lodule International Ltd. in the Republic of Korea, Byungchul Kim and Senior Director Donghan Shin called on the ambassador of Sri Lanka, Dr. A. Saj U. Mendis, at the embassy to further discuss the aforementioned international joint venture (IJV) and to find the most efficacious navigation of the proposed IJV in Sri Lanka. The international joint venture (IJV) partner in Sri Lanka is the reputed corporate Micro Electric International (Pvt) Ltd. headed and founded by Dhammika Samarawickrama.
‘The CEO of Lodule International Ltd., Byungchul Kim, and the Senior Director of the Company explained and expounded, in detail, to Dr. Mendis and senior officials of the Commercial Division of the embassy of their company and the functionaries of the company since its formation in 2004. Chairman Kim stated that most of the products and goods manufactured in Lodule International are being exported to other countries mostly to the ASEAN and China. He added that Lodule has a large facility in China, and along with the facilities in the RoK, they produce contactless thermometers, Android cloud tablets, iPhones & Smartphones mostly for the export market. During the meeting, ambassador Dr. Mendis and Commercial Division of the embassy had a zoom/virtual conference call with Dhammika Samarawickrama, Chairman of Micro Electric International in Sri Lanka, to discuss the stratagem to expedite the IJV in Sri Lanka. The two IJV partners from the RoK and Sri Lanka were, first, introduced to each other by the Most Venerable Katuwana Vijithawansha Thero of Sri Lankaramaya Temple in the city of Daegu in the RoK.
‘This would be the first ever occasion that state-of-the-art smartphones are manufactured, solely, in Sri Lanka. Micro Electric International, the Sri Lankan partner of the IJV, has been in operation for nearly three decades and chairman Samarawickrama has been engaged in a large number of charitable and philanthropic activities, mostly with regard to extending of employment opportunities to prisoners in prisons in Sri Lanka, apart from commercial and economic endeavors. The negotiations and discussions have been conducted on virtual/zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the zoom/virtual conference call at the embassy, with the intervention and intercession of the ambassador Dr. Mendis, chairman Byungchul Kim and chairman of Micro Electric International, Samarawickrama, discussed that the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) had to be agreed upon by both the sides and would follow up with an MoU, thus paving the way for the operation of the proposed IJV to manufacture smart/mobile phones in Sri Lanka.’
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.”