Business
Meta and Sarvodaya-Fusion partner to launch ‘We Think Digital’ with ‘IT Yahamaga’ for people with hearing-impairments
‘We Think Digital’ is Meta’s global digital literacy program that aims to develop digital skills to create a positive and safe culture online. In 2020, the program was launched in Sri Lanka by Meta in partnership with Sarvodaya-Fusion’s ‘IT Yahamaga’ initiative, which is supported by the Ministry of Education, and the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA). This collaboration helped educate students, youth, and adults with the necessary skills to become responsible digital citizens. In 2021, a new program was introduced with the goal of educating school and university students, psycho-social counsellors, youth club members, and women across the country on the effective and ethical use of digital tools while being cautious and conscious of their online safety and teaching them to be confident digital citizens.
The new pilot is predominantly aimed at increasing inclusivity in the society by focussing on = children and youth with hearing impairment and hearing-loss. It will be carried out as a national-level program with the partnership of the Non-formal and Special Needs Unit of the Ministry of Education, ICTA), Meta, and the Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf (SLCFD).
Tahani Iqbal, Public Policy Manager for Connectivity and Access Policy at Meta, said “In today’s world, it’s crucial to know how to navigate the digital space and make it more inclusive. Through a program like ‘We Think Digital’, we are providing necessary skills and awareness about online behavior and how to become better digital citizens. It’s truly gratifying to see this program take on a life of its own and help connect people with disabilities to new opportunities.”
‘We Think Digital’ with ‘IT Yahamaga’ is designed to break social and physical barriers and ensure that communities with disabilities are made aware of how technology can be used to improve their quality of life and gain more opportunities while ensuring a safe digital environment. The program content is curated to suit two target audiences; school children aged 14-18yrs and youth aged above 18yrs. These programs will be carried out in-person, with sign language interpretation, including visually appealing content and slide decks to maintain interest and engagement.
The President of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Dr, Vinya Ariyaratne commented on the initiative saying, “It is our firm belief at Sarvodaya that technology is the way of the future, not only in creating opportunities for people but also to increase inclusivity and bridge inequality and connect people. It is with a great sense of pride that we introduce the ‘We Think Digital’ program alongside our ‘IT Yahamaga’ initiative for people with hearing-impairment, with the goal of not only creating a safe environment online, but also providing a platform for those children and youth who are challenged due to physical ailments, to significantly improve their quality of life.”
In Sri Lanka, there are approximately 25 actively operating schools for hearing-impaired students, and the students from said schools will be reached out through the partnership of the Non-formal and Special Needs Unit of the Ministry of Education. Those who are above the age of 18 will be reached out through the Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf.
Sarvodaya-Fusion has a strong belief that technology can be used to bridge the gap between equality and inclusivity in society. It is for this reason that this pilot program aims to start off with this specific segment. The need to educate the vulnerable and often excluded communities on the safe and ethical use of the online world is of paramount importance. It is expected with the outcomes and learnings of this pilot, to reach out to many other disabled communities in the future.
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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