Business
Landmark research on migrant worker reintegration challenges
The first publication of the recently concluded migrant worker research study entitled, ‘Skills, Aspirations and Reintegration Challenges of Returned Migrant Workers: Evidence from Selected Districts in Sri Lanka’, was presented to R.P.A. Wimalaweera, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, by the Skilled and Resilient Migrant Workers (SRMW) project, in Colombo. The SRMW project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), within the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) YouLead initiative.
Conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) on behalf of the SRMW project, this study bridges existing empirical data gaps on returned migrant workers, with a focus on challenges to economic reintegration related to skills development and qualifications recognition. Primary data for the study was collected from a sample survey of returned migrant workers in the project’s priority districts: Anuradhapura, Kandy, Kurunegala, Puttalam and Vavuniya, of which a majority were women migrant workers.
Policymakers at the event were presented with an overview of the report followed by an in-depth discussion of implications by an eminent panel of experts, led by Dr Bilesha Weeraratne, Research Fellow at IPS. Insights on skills development, self-employment and entrepreneurship, reintegration services and gender-based challenges were highlights of the discussion. The panel was comprised of Mr. Dasitha Niroshan, Director, Skills Development, Ministry of Education; Dr. Sepali Kottegoda, Director of Programmes, Women’s Economic Rights and Media at the Women and Media Collective; Mr. Heminda Jayaweera, Co-founder and Director, Venture Frontier Sri Lanka; and Mrs. Padmini Ratnayake, Advisor, Minister of Foreign Employment.
Receiving the report, R.P. A. Wimalaweera, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, said, “With many Sri Lankans migrating for work, identifying suitable and productive methods of reintegration upon their return also becomes a continuous requirement. The findings and recommendations of this report will be useful for future evidence-based policy improvement towards effective reintegration”.
Emphasizing the role of the SRMW project within the Safe Labor Migration program, Raoul Imbach, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland in Sri Lanka, said, “Skilled resilience is a key focus of the Safe Labor Migration program initiated by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, which is now in its fourth phase. Through our funding of the SRMW project and its activities such as this research study, we continue to support the improvement and implementation of Sri Lanka’s National Labor Migration Policy and empowerment of the country’s migrant workers”.
Expressing USAID’s commitment to empower Sri Lanka’s migrant workers, Ali Ezzatyar, Acting Deputy Mission Director, USAID Sri Lanka & Maldives, said “At a time when many Sri Lankans are seeking opportunities overseas, USAID wants to help minimize the negative impacts of their departure for both the migrants and the country, and ensure that when these workers return, they can reintegrate and utilize new skills and experiences obtained abroad to contribute to the development of Sri Lanka”.
Improving the resilience of Sri Lanka’s migrant workers through skills development and recognition, guidance services and access to information are priorities of the SRMW project, and this research study marks the first of several of SRMW’s policy related initiatives.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
