Business
“Look beyond borders” president tells LCMA citing the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 1978
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionary Manufacturers Association (LCMA) yesterday (24) at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo emphasized the potential for Sri Lanka to become a global player in the confectionery industry. He encouraged Sri Lankan confectioners to expand their horizons and tap into international markets.
The President emphasized the significance of positioning Sri Lankan chocolates as a world-class product, similar to the renowned reputation of the country’s tea and cinnamon. His encouragement aimed to inspire the confectionery industry to embark on a journey towards global recognition and market presence.
Reflecting on the industry’s history, the President praised the pioneers and highlighted the growth and resilience of the vibrant confectionery sector. He expressed optimism about the potential for Sri Lankan chocolates to become globally recognized. The President urged the confectioners to explore new markets and export their products. He further noted the limitations for expansion within the country and suggested looking beyond borders, citing the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 1978.
Addressing economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the ongoing negotiations for an additional 20 years to address the economic crisis. However, he stressed the need for a sustainable solution and highlighted the importance of export-oriented strategies to overcome financial hurdles. He advocated for increased exports and identified the confectionery industry, particularly chocolates, as having the potential for international recognition.
President Wickremesinghe encouraged the confectionery industry to explore inter-cropping with cocoa, citing state plantations in Matale, Kandy, Mawathagama, and Dodangaslanda for potential expansion. He mentioned plans to collaborate with smallholders and discussions with the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast for access to cocoa.
The President outlined broader initiatives, including leasing state-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies or Sri Lankan companies with foreign shareholders for the development of the food industry, encompassing confectionery. Virtually all the lands owned by Chilaw and Kurunegala plantation plus Elkaduwa with JEDB and SPC. He disclosed plans for modernizing agriculture, enhancing competitiveness through the National Productivity Commission and upgrading trade agreements with India and Thailand.
President Wickremesinghe pledged government support, including Rs. 8 billion for research and development, to foster a thriving confectionery industry urging collaboration, innovation and expansion into various areas of the food industry positioning it as a “low hanging fruit” for economic growth.
Acknowledging the substantial contributions of pioneering founders and manufacturers in the confectionery industry to the development of the Sri Lankan economy, President Wickremesinghe presented awards to esteemed individuals. Recipients of these awards included Mr. Hinni Appuhamy, Founder of Maliban Group; Mr. Arthur Von. Possner, Founder of Ceylon Cold Stores (Elephant House); Mr. Junius Motha, Founder of Motha; Deshamanya Mineka Wickremesinghe, Founder of Munchee; Mr. P.J.C Perera, Founder of Uswatte Group; Mr. Sinnasamy Muttiah, Founder of Luckyland; Mr. Upali Wijewardhena, Founder of Kandos, and Mr. Vidanage John Appuhami, Founder of Cherish.
Additionally, Chairman of the LCMA, Dr. Samitha Prerera, presented a special memento to the President.
During the event, Dr Samitha Perera expressed gratitude for President Wickremesinghe’s substantial efforts in the economic recovery of Sri Lanka. He acknowledged the President’s presence as a source of courage and strength for the industry’s advancement. Mr. Perera appreciated the President’s endeavours to uplift the nation and emphasized the industry’s alignment with those efforts. Recognizing the challenges faced amid a tough macroeconomic environment, he affirmed the organization’s solidarity with the President. Mr. Perera underscored the pivotal role of increasing the country’s dollar income for sustaining current benefits.
Minister of Industrial and Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, accompanied by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardena, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. R.H.S. Sanarathunga and various officials from LCMA, graced the event.
(PMD)
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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