Business
Lanka Accelerator launched in Sri Lanka
Kaleidoscope (Pvt) Ltd. announced the launch of Lanka Accelerator brand in Sri Lanka today. Lanka Accelerator is powered by India Accelerator (iA) which was adjudged the Best Accelerator in India by Start Up India. Lanka Accelerator’s agreement with India Accelerator is to help support its design, development and success.
India Accelerator is part of GAN (Global Accelerator Network). The GAN is a ‘By-Invite’ network of over 80 of the most highly respected accelerators on six continents and more than 100 cities around the world. To date, the network has helped some 3,200 companies receive over $4.8B USD in funding and create 21,000 jobs globally.
Santosh Menon, Chairman Kaleidoscope (Pvt) Ltd. and Founding Partner of Lanka Accelerator said “I am truly delighted to announce the launch of Lanka Accelerator in Sri Lanka. There is no better time than this to launch such an enterprise. There is a crying need to unleash the entrepreneurial spark among the young and Lanka Accelerator aims to do just that”. He further added, “This is an unprecedented opportunity for corporate Sri Lanka to seek solutions to any problems that might enhance their efficiency and productivity- with the competence and expertise of India accelerator in offer. We will combine to offer unique customized solutions to the challenges Sri Lankan corporates face. The combination of high-quality Sri Lankan tech expertise combined with the best start-up solutions from India will add tremendous value to local businesses”.
Chanithi Gunasekera, Founding Partner of Lanka Accelerator said “There are many young people who have great business ideas, but give up because they can’t see the way forward in terms of technology support, legal advice, marketing inputs, financial planning or due to lack of investment. We would like to bring the entire ecosystem to Sri Lanka to give confidence to future unicorns that anything is possible”.
India Accelerator was adjudged the best accelerator in India- which in the last 5 years have redefined elements of the startup eco system in India.
Ashish Bhatia, Founder and CEO of India Accelerator said “We are excited to power Lanka Accelerator with our expertise and competencies. The aim is to open all the services that sit within the India Accelerator Multiverse. Start-ups can have a powerful positive impact on the society at large. From creating jobs, to providing purpose, to creating wealth, to improving GDP. Sri Lanka’s start-up ecosystem is in its nascency and there is a lot of upsides for everyone involved. Lanka Accelerator, powered by India Accelerator will offer incubation, mentorship, tech and educational support through our labs, and access to a cohort system to accelerate ideas from infancy to full development. We will also bring iAngels, our network of over 1500 global investors to support Sri Lankan Startups through investments”.
iA Verticals includes, Direct to Customer, Deep Tech, Pulse- Health Tech, Hypersonic- Web3 & Blockchain, Cipher – Cyber Security, iAgri – AgriTech, B2B SaaS, Sports, Media & Entertainment, Social Labs – Impact. It has achieved a 25X Growth in 4 years empowering 140+ Startups with a USD 350Mn valuation of IA Portfolio Companies and has created 3500+ Direct / Indirect Jobs. iA multiverse includes, iAngels- Angel Network, iA Labs- Education Services, iA CEP- Campus Engagement Programme, iA CAP – Corporate Accelerator Programme and iAspire- Female Founder’s Programme.
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.”