Business
MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka appoints top aviation professional Lakshika Gunatilake to head LowePublic
The MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka (MLG), the largest multidisciplinary brand communications group has appointed Lakshika Gunatilake, as the head of its Public Relations arm – LowePublic. Ms. Gunatilake joins the group after serving at Sri Lankan Airlines for the past 23 years. Her last position prior to taking up the role with MLG being – SriLankan Airline’s Digital Communications and Social Media Manager where she oversaw the deployment and strategizing of Digital Marketing and Social Media Communication and Social PR programs across local and international markets.
Gunatilake brings a wealth of experience having served in a range of dynamic roles in the airline such as, but not limited to, Advertising, Procurement, and Passenger Operations. She has been tasked to oversee the rapid growth and expansion of LowePublic over the next 3 years and bring it on par with all of the group’s other 9 business verticals.
The above appointment at MullenLowe is strategic in nature as the group capitalises on significant shifts in its business to meet the transitionary phase of the industry in which tech is rapidly evolving to influence choice, and build reputation for brands and companies.
Commenting on the appointment, Thayalan Bartlett Executive Chairman of The MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka said, we are delighted to welcome Lakshika at a defining moment of the industry and our own business. We believe that her vast experience dealing with overseas markets in a challenging industry such as aviation will be immensely useful as we sharpen our offering across a wide spectrum of clients. Our focus and thrust as a group has largely been on digital and tech in the last 24 months. With Lakshika on board we look forward to accelerating this transformation for LowePublic.
The MullenLowe Group (MLG) is Sri Lanka’s largest marketing communications group. The company, which until recently was owned by the US-based Interpublic Group (IPG), transitioned to local ownership and is a full member affiliate of MullenLowe Worlwide and part of a network of 95 global offices across 65 markets. MullenLowe Worldwide employs 6400+ people around the world, with the Sri Lanka office staffing 100 employees, and serving clients with diverse business interests in the Sri Lankan market. The Sri Lanka office is well represented across categories covering FMCG, Banking & Finance, Insurance, Leisure, Mobile & Broadband, Fintech, Enterprise Solutions, Milk based foods, Beauty & Personal and Home Care, Carbonated, Energy and Fresh Drinks, Packaged Foods & Biscuits and Sanitary Pads to name a few. This extensive portfolio comes together to dominate 80% of the top 10 and 50% of the top 20 advertised categories in the country. The group is supported by 9 independent strategic business verticals – MullenLowe, LoweLintas, LoweTech, LoweDigital, LoweMedia, LowePublic, LoweActive, LoweGo and Fever. By the sheer representation of diverse industries through these independent verticals, the Group draws on a vast amount of cross category knowledge making it the most influential brand communications group operating in the country.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
