Business
LEADS launches its ‘Be the Gift’ Christmas Campaign to support children in need
The outbreak of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka has created unprecedented challenges to many people across the country. Among them, the marginalised communities have been greatly affected, with children being at the centre of it. It is against this backdrop that LEADS together with the Rotaract Club of Colombo East launches the ‘Be the Gift’ Christmas Campaign for the second consecutive year. Through this intervention, LEADS aims at raising support for 500 survivors of child abuse and students residing in rural and marginalised communities in selected districts where LEADS has its regional presence.
The prolonged effects of the pandemic have limited children from gaining access to education. According to recent media reports, 45% of students did not have access to any form of education for nearly 20 months since the pandemic. Adding to this development, in 2020, UNICEF stated that 74 % of children in Sri Lanka live on LKR 506 ($US2.78) per day, while 36% live on LKR 278 per day. This resonates the pathetic condition of vulnerable children and their families. At a time where many households battle against the severe economic crisis, fulfilling educational requirements of children is an added challenge.
As a leading and accountable organisation which has rendered over 38 years of service towards safeguarding children in the nation, LEADS successfully raised funds in 2020 to support over 350 students in their education. This year too, the organisation hopes to distribute educational packs worth LKR 1,500 to 500 children who are survivors of child abuse, through LEADS centres in the Northern, Western and Uva Provinces as well as vulnerable children hailing from rural communities. Each stationery pack will consist of 12 items inclusive of exercise books, drawing books, pens, pencils, crayons, etc.
In his message for the launch of the ‘Be the Gift’ campaign, the Chief Executive Officer of LEADS, Mr. Monroe Jayasuriya, emphasised the necessity of coming together to prioritise the needs of children. He stated, “We are entrusted with the prime responsibility of creating safer spaces for children to lead a dignified life.” He further pointed out, “It is of utmost importance that we facilitate and support children in dire need to get back to school, amidst this pandemic. Through this, our mission for brighter futures for children will be made a reality.”
LEADS is a national agency established in 1983 and an approved non-governmental organisation dedicated to creating safer spaces and brighter futures for the children of Sri Lanka. Our work is integrated in recognising the child as a part of a family, community, and the nation. LEADS works holistically towards the best interest of the child at national policy level and at grassroots with survivors of child abuse while strengthening families and communities of children at risk and providing necessary safeguards and support to reduce vulnerabilities to abuse, poverty, and socio-natural disasters.
LEADS joins with the Rotaract Club of Colombo East for the second consecutive year to launch this campaign as a timely intervention, since many children await the opportunity to resume their education. LEADS invites, the public and all well-wishers to be a part of this worthy cause by donating towards the purchase of stationery packs and ensuring that children from vulnerable and underprivileged families can begin their new academic year despite the financial difficulties faced by their families.
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
