Business
‘Lankan seafarers capable of bringing $ 1 billion annually into the country, provided they are adequately trained’
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Sri Lankan seafarers generate around US $ 300 million per year and that amount could be increased to US $ one billion if our seafarers are properly trained for overseas maritime related jobs, Vice President, Maritime, International Cooperation & Foreign Projects, CINEC Campus, Capt. Peshala Medagama said.
“At present our seafarers mainly work on dry cargo vessels and we need to develop seafarers for work in any type of vessel. Our technology competencies are quite satisfactory but the biggest challenge is the lack of English language communication competencies, Medagma said at the World Maritime Day 2022 conference, held at Monarch Imperial Hotel at Thalawathugoda -Battaramulla last week.
The theme of the event was, “New Technology for Greener Shipping”. The event was organized by the International Maritime Organization’s Goodwill Maritime Ambassador Nish Wiyayakulathilaka.
Capt. Peshala
Medagama
Medagama added: ‘At present Sri Lanka has nearly 48,000 seafarers out of which only 16,500 are active seafarers, including 3700 officers. Therefore, English skill is the biggest challenge, which needs to be addressed as soon as possible to deploy them in highly lucrative jobs in the maritime industry.
‘Sri Lanka is situated along the key shipping route between the Malacca Straits and the Suez Canal, which links Asia and Europe. An estimated 36,000 ships, including 4,500 oil tankers, use the route annually. It is not a difficult task, if we could approach decision makers in Korean, Chinese and European shipping lines and promote our seas seafarers in those companies.
‘We need a paradigm shift in this regard. We need to train them in English communication skills, while also training them on the technology aspect with the imparting of concepts like the new technology in green shipping.
‘Sri Lanka’s strength is based on competency, technology skill and loyalty. Apart from that Sri Lanka could be promoted as a shipping manufacturing center in the region but is unable to harness that potential yet.
‘Our industry heads have to give leadership, identify ship owners and give presentations about our seafarers and identify their needs. We need to train them and this will create more employment opportunities. Subsequently, US dollars will come into the country.’
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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