Business
Munchee crowned Best Sri Lankan Brand Exporter of the Year at NCE Export Awards
Munchee the flagship brand of Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) was crowned ‘Best Sri Lankan Brand Exporter of the Year” at the 29th Annual NCE Export Awards 2021, held recently in Colombo. Munchee is the largest biscuit exporter in Sri Lanka reaching over 65 countries, in every continent, across the world with its quality focused range of biscuits.
The NCE Export Awards recognises and rewards outstanding performance of Sri Lankan exporters in the global market. Organized by the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE), the ceremony was held under the theme of Rise, Rebuild & Regain. CBL also won the Gold Award for the Most Outstanding Exporter in the large scale confectionery sector.
The eminent judging panel of the NCE Export Awards comprised of independent professional judges assisted by a separate Technical Committee and the world renowned Audit firm Ernst and Young. The NCE Awards recognize outstanding exporters who set the bar for the industry through exemplary business practices and, are notable contributors towards the industry and the national economy. The awards are highly competitive and winners are selected based on stringent evaluation processes to recognize companies and brands at the helm of the exports sector.
Commenting on the occasion, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, Director International Sales, Nadeeja Karunathilaka noted: “We are delighted about winning Best Brand Exporter of the Year Award, and the coveted gold award as the Most Outstanding Exporter in the Large Scale Confectionery sector. Despite many challenges that prevailed both locally and globally during the past two years, Munchee has been able to achieve this excellence due to its continuous commitment to superior quality, in every product and process, to create enriching moments for its consumer. This has enabled Munchee to take the highest quality of confectionery products, made in Sri Lanka, to the world. Sri Lanka’s traditional exports such as tea, rubber, gems and apparels have garnered substantial demand in the global market, and we are truly pleased that a non-traditional product such as biscuits has taken the global limelight and is competing on par with our export giants.”
CBL and its brand Munchee have been significant exporters of confectionery since the company began exporting its products in 1970. Since its roots in 1968, CBL Group has grown to become one of the largest food manufacturing conglomerates in Sri Lanka. CBL has taken strategic steps to cater to growing demand from export markets for its products in the face of future challenges. It is the only biscuit manufacturer to have established a dedicated production facility in the BOI Seethawaka Export Processing Zone to cater to growing export demand for Sri Lanka’s Munchee brand.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”