Business
Mahindra unveils the new Bolero City Pik-Up
Announces launch of the first “Made in Sri Lanka” 1.4 Tonne PikUp from Mahindra Ideal Lanka plant in Welipenna.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), together with Ideal Motors, a fully owned subsidiary of the Ideal Group, recently unveiled the new Bolero City Pik-Up in Sri Lanka in the presence of Minister of Industries, Wimal Weerawansa.
Minister Weerawansa took a tour of the Mahindra Ideal Lanka Automotive Assembly Plant and saw the assembly process of the new Bolero City Pik-Up. The plant was inaugurated in August 2019 under a joint venture between M&M Ltd. and Ideal Group. M&M is the leader in the small commercial vehicle space and this new addition to its existing pickup portfolio further strengthens the company’s leadership position in Sri Lanka.
Addressing the occasion, Minister Weerawansa said: “Vehicle production is not an unachievable feat for Sri Lanka. We are steadily moving in the direction of becoming a nation that produces its own vehicles. The collaboration between Ideal Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) India will put more local value additions into their vehicle production in Sri Lanka by next year. I believe that we will soon be able to see more ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ vehicles on our roads. As a government, we are committed to further facilitating resource supplies encouraging other global vehicle manufacturers to set up their vehicle production plants in the country. The Bolero City Pik-up unveiled today by Ideal Motors and M&M consists of more than 30% locally-sourced components, thereby enabling local vehicle component manufacturers to increase their revenue and expand their businesses. Further, the technology transfer from M&M to young Sri Lankan technicians in this project is an added boon to the country creating wider economic benefits to many stakeholders of the local vehicle assembly industry for its sustainable development,”
Addressing the gathering at the factory, Nalin Welgama, Chairman, Ideal Motors said “Ideal Motors and M&M have been working together for a decade to deliver value to our customers. We are working with local vendors to maximize local value add on the Bolero City Pik-up and deliver first ever ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ Pickup which is better suited to the market requirement. With our island wide network of Mahindra sales showrooms and authorized service dealerships, we are confident to lead this category”
New Bolero City Pik-Up is perfectly suited to various applications with its easy manoeuvrability, big cargo box and reliable, high-power engine. It boasts a strong suspension, with the rear suspension strengthened to take different type of load in city driving conditions. The cabin ergonomics have been further enhanced with a wider co-driver seat, giving the best driving experience during inter & intra-city business trips. All these make the New Bolero City Pik-Up an ideal pick up for urban goods transportation across the island. With a warranty of 12 months/ 50,000 km and minimal maintenance costs, customers are guaranteed to earn more profit and have complete peace of mind.
With the gradual opening of the market amid COVID19 pandemic in Sri Lanka, the demand for commercial vehicles is anticipated to see a significant spike in the future. Mahindra Ideal Lanka (MILPL) is now boosting its production capacity to meet the market demand for its pickups. This is the 2nd product launch in a row by Mahindra after the highly popular KUV100 was launched in July 2020.
The New Bolero City Pik-Up is powered by Mahindra’s proven 2,523cm3, m2Di, four-cylinder, diesel engine providing power of 46.3 kW (63 HP) & torque of 195 Nm for better performance. The Bolero City Pik-Up has a payload capacity of 1400 kg carry heavy loads effortlessly. Its sporty eye-catching wrap around headlamps, a stylized front chrome grille, a trendy dual tone instrument panel and comfortable fabric seats with matching door trims, gives it a more stylish and elegant look.
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.”