Business
Microsoft Imagine Cup 2023 World Finalists from Sri Lanka meet U.S. ambassador Julie Chung
Julie J. Chung, United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, met the two Sri Lankan teams that advanced to the World Finals of Microsoft Imagine Cup 2023, during her visit to the Microsoft Office recently. Team Sipsara and The Green Tycoon were among the 48 teams to compete at the world stage of Microsoft Imagine Cup 2023, the premier student technology competition where students develop solutions for some of the most pressing local and global issues in the categories of Earth, Education, Health, and Lifestyle. Ambassador Chung shared her enthusiasm in meeting the teams, commending them for the undeniable contribution their ideas could make to society.
Ambassador Chung was welcomed by Sook Hoon Cheah, General Manager for Microsoft Southeast Asia New Markets (SEA NM), and Harsha Randeny, Country Manager for Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Showcasing an intense level of creativity and innovation in redefining the limits of technological innovation, the two teams from Sri Lanka competed under the categories of Education and Earth, with Team Sipsara devising a web-based application that measures and develops the skills of children with Down Syndrome, and The Green Tycoon presenting the ‘CarboMeter’, an alternative sustainable option to monitor and achieve emission goals, reduce carbon taxes and encourage going greener.
During the visit, the teams had the opportunity to present their ideas to Ambassador Chung and Sook Hoon Cheah and share their experience of taking part in Microsoft Imagine Cup. Influenced by issues that had a personal connection to them, the students revealed that the Microsoft Imagine Cup journey empowered them and opened doors to possibilities that encouraged them to push the limits of what they could achieve with the power of AI.
Ambassador Chung said, “I was inspired by meeting the two teams from Sri Lanka, who have brought noteworthy recognition to the country through their skills and capabilities. Innovation is a driving force for transformative change, and it is key to Sri Lanka in building a sustainable and prosperous economy. Microsoft’s efforts in cultivating technological excellence through platforms such as the Microsoft Imagine Cup are remarkable, and they highlight the bright future possible in Sri Lanka and beyond.”
“It was a fantastic opportunity for the two Sri Lankan teams to connect with Ambassador Chung and share their inspirations in creating inclusive projects using cutting-edge technology. Their innovations towards solving real-world problems are an inspiration to all and have the power to change the lives of many. The potential that these students have shown through their original tech innovations is proof of what Sri Lanka has to offer towards digital acceleration and being an active contributor in achieving a global digital economy,” added Sook Hoon Cheah, General Manager, Microsoft SEA NM.
Ambassador Chung and General Manager for Microsoft SEA NM, Sook Hoon Cheah with Team Sipsara and representatives from Microsoft Sri Lanka.
Microsoft is committed to creating a culture of originality, advancing digital skills, and harnessing the transformative power of technology. Microsoft Imagine Cup has enabled students to showcase their talent and skill for IT and create impactful initiatives that can contribute to the country’s technological landscape and development, fueled by the strong belief that the future is being shaped by such bright young minds and to help empower the next generation of creators and problem-solvers.
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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