Business
Nation has got its priorities mixed up between humanity and availability: Sri Lanka Red Cross chief
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Sri Lanka appears to have got its priorities mixed up between humanity and availability, Jagath Abeysinghe, president of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society told The Island Financial Review recently.
“We hear many concerned voices about the difficulties arising from the shortages of fuel and other commodities as a result of the ongoing foreign exchange crisis, but unfortunately, there isn’t enough concern and attention towards the larger section of the people across the length and breadth of the country who quietly bear the brunt of the economic crisis, and are left without the basic needs to live. So the talk about humanity has taken a back seat, president of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society said.
He made these remarks on the sidelines of a recent event where Uber Sri Lanka announced a USD 200,000 donation to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to help vulnerable communities affected by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. The donations will be used to distribute food and life-saving medicines across the country.
Further speaking the president of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society said:
“Beyond the prevailing shortages of various things that reduce the convenience of life in general, there’s an underlying huge humanitarian crisis. These people don’t have money to buy even basic needs and this is the first time I have seen a humanitarian crisis in its most extreme form ever since I joined the Red Cross as a youth member forty years ago.
“These people are mostly daily income earners with very low-wages. Although poor they worked and lived with dignity and respect until the economic crisis hit them out of the blue. It was not their fault and it was clearly somebody else’s fault. The heart-rending side of this story is they can’t communicate their plight to the world and take their message to the empathetic people out there who feel for them and may well be willing to support them to alleviate their suffering.
“The government because of its limited fiscal space may not be able to support all these people. But it can muster the support of all kind-hearted people willing to contribute to this cause by establishing a transparent mechanism that ensures their donations will directly and definitely go to this segment of people that needs support to live through the crisis time. Unlike in times of natural disasters, the crisis has affected middle-income households too. As a nation, we must draw our prime focus on this and do the best we can do to help them. The corporate sector, NGOs and other organizations need to step in and the government has to adopt a holistic approach to muster and channel their support to these vulnerable sections.”
“There are many compassionate people in the Sri Lankan diaspora working and living overseas who have made their intentions known to us about their willingness to help the people get rid of this frustrating situation. But it has to be coordinated and channeled through a credible mechanism.”
“The media also has to play a key role in bringing this matter to the surface instead of playing up political rhetoric because the need of the hour is to support the poor and vulnerable people among other urgent matters. If all responsible groups and benefactors join hands, we will be able to fulfill our duty towards these voiceless people.”
“Uber has embarked on a timely initiative to assist the most vulnerable people of Sri Lanka by providing financial assistance during this economic crisis. The trust in Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to deliver their aspirations prove that the Society has continued to work for the most vulnerable in its time of need. Such partnerships as this are vital.”
Sharing her views on the partnership, Saskia de Jongh, Regional General Manager for Delivery, Uber APAC, said, “We are committed to helping Sri Lanka and the communities that we serve. We recognize this is a difficult time for the country, and we are pleased to be able to support it via this partnership with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. Sri Lanka and its people are full of potential, and both will emerge stronger from this crisis.”
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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