Business
National Action Plan for Inclusive and Sustainable Business Capacity Development being crafted
The Strategy to Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sri Lanka was adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers earlier this year. It was developed through a series of multi-stakeholder consultations and led by the Sustainable Development Council with technical support from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The Strategy recognizes the challenges faced by Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses (ISBs) in Sri Lanka and identifies opportunities to assist them in scaling and expanding their impact.
One of the key challenges is the limited capacity of businesses in Sri Lanka to effectively create social and environmental impact and// or scale their current impact. The Strategy therefore proposes the formulation of an Action Plan to build the capacities of firms to be inclusive and sustainable.
The Ministry of Industries in partnership with the Sustainable Development Council and the National Enterprise Development Authority with technical support of the ESCAP wrapped up a dynamic, multi-stakeholder co-creation workshop last week with the aim of developing a National Action Plan for Inclusive and Sustainable Business Capacity Development. In line with the Government priorities for economic recovery and development, the first phase will primarily target export-oriented medium and large enterprises, in developing inclusive and sustainable business models.
This collaborative event brought together a diverse range of participants representing government agencies engaged with large and medium private sector enterprises, key commercial chambers and industry bodies, selected export-oriented, medium-sized and large enterprises, financial sector institutions, development partner agencies and non-governmental organizations working in social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
Through insightful discussions, valuable insights were gained into the existing capacity gaps faced by the Sri Lankan ISBs as well as concrete actions for addressing the gaps in the offer of capacity building services and enhancing the capacities of large and medium enterprises.
Building the capacity of all stakeholders – businesses, policymakers, and support organizations – is essential for promoting, sustaining, and supporting ISB growth in Sri Lanka. The National Action Plan for Inclusive and Sustainable Business Capacity Development is expected to be finalized by end June 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.
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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