Business
Move to increase private flights to Batticola Airport from July
A meeting took place on May 25th at the auditorium of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, bringing together the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, and the Governor of the Eastern Province, Senthil Thondaman. The objective of this meeting was to discuss strategies and initiatives for the development of the Eastern Province, with a particular focus on enhancing air and sea travel infrastructure to support the tourism industry in the region.
During the meeting, the challenges related to air travel accessibility for tourists visiting the Eastern Province were discussed, particularly the issue of expensive airfares.
As a result, a consensus was reached to initiate domestic flights connecting the area with airports located in Katunayake, Mattala, Ratmalana, and Palali. This decision aims to address the difficulties faced by tourists and improve the overall facilitation of air travel within the region.
During this discussion, it was revealed that private airlines operating internally have not taken sufficient steps to maximize the benefits of the Baticaloa Airport, which is capable of facilitating flights carrying approximately 75 passengers.
It has been revealed that enhancing airport productivity can be achieved by extending flights from Chennai, India to Ratmalana and further to Batticaloa. The Governor emphasized the intention to discuss this matter with Alliance Airline, which currently operates flights from Chennai to Ratmalana, and take necessary steps to extend the flights up to Batticaloa. During the meeting, airline representatives announced plans to increase flight operations from Ratmalana and Katunayake to Batticaloa starting in July.
It was also decided that discussions would be initiated with the relevant representatives of shipping lines to explore the possibility of extending passenger lines that connect Colombo and Hambantota up to Trincomalee.
Officials and representatives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, eastern Province Governor’s Office, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) and private airline services also attended the discussions.
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.”
