Business
LOLC on a Rs.500m humanitarian project
The unprecedented economic crisis in Sri Lanka is spiralling further, unfolding a humanitarian emergency, attacking societies at their core, claiming people’s livelihoods. The crippling civil unrest is now sparked by the economic crisis causing to worsen the potential longer-term effects on the local household income and their food security.
Responding to the crisis emergency instantaneously, LOLC launched LOLC Divi Saviya, an island wide humanitarian effort in early May this year. The phase one of this project supported needy household units covering all 25 districts of the country within a period of one month. This also enabled LOLC to further discover millions of people across the country, who are already below the poverty line and are facing major disruption by the loss of livelihoods, food shortage, and the amplifying cost of essential items. During this initial drive, number of Divisional Secretariats with extensive demands were marked while a number of vulnerable untapped segments were also identified.
This time, committing for an on-going and a broader exertion, LOLC has renewed their strengths to another season of Divi Saviya commenced in July 2022 and will cover the 25 districts over a period of 3 months in 3 different cycles, tossed back-to-back. The road map to Divi Saviya phase two recognises the essentiality to cushion the knock-on effects on people’s lives at this critical juncture while envisioning for a longer recovery effort.
Identifying the sharp decline in food security for the most vulnerable segments of the country, Divi Saviya phase two focuses on organising direct provision of food resources to support the elder’s homes, children’s facilities and visually impaired units in addition to the selected households. The immediate critical relief, is estimated to distribute a total number of 125,000 packages valued at Rs.500 Million. Each package will carry the basic staples and dry rations weighing 10 kilograms inclusive of the items ranging from rice, flour, dhal, sugar, noodles, tea, salt, soya-meat to spices.
The entire project is strengthened by the partnership between LOLC and News First in stabilising the clarity and transparency of the distribution network. The programme is curated through the Divisional Secretariats, with the support of the News First provisional correspondents in assembling the most poverty-stricken families to be entitled for the Divi Saviya scheme.
Divi Saviya phase two was ceremonially inaugurated on the 07th of July 2022, at Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, Ratmalana. The event was graced by Mr. Kapila Jayawardena, Group Managing Director/CEO of LOLC Holdings PLC and Mr. Kithsiri Gunawardhana, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Holdings PLC, Mr. Jaliya Yasarathne, District Secretary Colombo, Ms. Himali Karunarathne, Divisional Secretary Ratmalana, Mr. Roshan Watawala, Director News First, Mr. Yasarath Kamalasiri, General Manager News First, key officials and staff members from the LOLC Group, officials from MTV/ MBC Network and other well-wishers.
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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