Business
National Foundation Day celebrations of the Republic of Korea
On October 6 the Korean embassy led by Korean ambassador Miyon Lee hosted the National Foundation Day celebrations of the Republic of Korea, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo. It is a monumental year to commemorate the 4355th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean nation and the 46th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Sri Lanka. The National Foundation Day reception was celebrated with the participation of many Korean nationals and Sri Lankans.
A Korean embassy press release said: ‘Among the dignitaries, the National Foundation Day celebration witnessed the gracious presence of the Chief Guest, the Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, Cabinet and State Ministers, Secretaries and ambassadors who have contributed to the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka. Members of the Korean communities and representatives of various segments of Sri Lanka were also present at the event to facilitate this occasion.
‘Delivering the opening remarks, ambassador Miyon Lee engaged the audience on the values Korea has upheld for years respecting universal principles such as freedom, democracy, human rights and rule of law. She also emphasized on the links Korea has maintained over the years with other nations and how such relationships have given Korea a sense of national identity, pride and unity.
‘The ambassador, while stressing the importance of Korea’s version of the Indo-Pacific strategy expressed her desire to increase engagement and cooperation in the region advocating for freedom, peace and prosperity. Also referring to the meeting of the two presidents at the UNGA sidelines, she highlighted that Sri Lanka will remain a key partner for Korea’s endeavour in building regional cooperation.
‘The ambassador also highlighted Korea’s bid towards hosting Busan World Expo 2030 and presented how Korea aspires to create a global platform to fight against climate crisis and build a sustainable future.
‘Ambassador Miyon Lee explained in detail various development projects steered by the Korean development agencies in Sri Lanka and expressed her vision to further strengthen cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka in the years to come and to stand with Sri Lanka during these hard times in the midst of an economic recovery 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.”
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