Business
Major private companies call for immediate solution to economic crisis
By Steve A. Morrell
Some of the country’s major private sector companies yesterday called for an immediate solution to the country’s current economic crisis.
Some 23 companies, representing numerous sectors, stressed this need yesterday at a press conference held at the Jaic Hilton Colombo Residences. They account for approximately 50 per cent of the working population of the country, besides producing goods and services to the tune of USD 16.8 billion yearly.
At the head table were, Rohan Masakorale, Yohan Lawrence, Jayantha Karunaratne, Sandra De Zoysa, Russel Juriansz and Talet Sharma.
The consensus which emerged from discussions among these companies was that, rather than dwell on negatives, the task of reviving the economy has to be gone ahead with as a priority.
The companies said the support of the media too was essential to solve the crisis. It was imperative that the private sector and the media unite their resources to get over the economic debacle faced by the country.
Sections of the press expressed the view that the new Central Bank Governor was better equipped to handle the economic debacle rather than the previous Governor who resorted to printing money wihich had no relevance to production.
The press posed the question whether the President had read the contents of a letter that was submitted by the companies to him on the economic situation of the country. Replying to this question Rohan Masakorale said the companies present could not say if he had read the letter or not, but it was now of importance to note that no comment on the letter was forthcoming from neither the President nor his advisors.
Views were also expressed that Sri Lanka’s request to the IMF for financial assistance and advice should have been made long before the current serious situation emerged.
Jayantha Karunaratne, representing the Tea Exporters Association, said the tea industry, now over 150 years in existence, was faced with a crisis which affected in the main the smallholders of the sector who were responsible for about 75 per cent of tea production. He said Sri Lanka was responsible for 5 per cent of global tea production. Unless the government takes positive action, we would lose the global tea market.
Russel Juriansz said the IMF and the World Bank were of importance to Sri Lanka, based on their effective financial management some years ago. Yohan Lawrence representing the Joint Apparel Association Forum and Talet Sharma along with Sandra de Zoysa also spoke.
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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