Business
‘National Future Talent Initiative aimed at creating IT-capable younger generation’
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
The National Future Talent Initiative (NFTI) will assist in the IT/ Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) fields and enable our younger generations to be equipped with the skills relevant to the future job market, a top IT specialist said.
NFTI steering committee chair Madu Ratnayake announcing the rationale for the NFTI program said that the initiative aims to build awareness among 100,000 students and 50,000 potential BPO professionals on career opportunities in the knowledge industry with the aim of attracting new talent.
“The key goals are getting 500 people into part-time teaching to build the local teaching capacity, 5,000 people into freelance work to capitalize on immediate work opportunities in the field and to enable 200 companies to offer internships to give a head start to the new talent generated from the initiative, thus lay the foundation for a progressive talent development ecosystem for the future, Ratnayake said at the launch of the program. The event was held at Cinnamon Grand Hotel on Wednesday.
“The project was launched to encourage more people to join the IT/BPM workforce and to invite interested parties to join hands in creating a steady stream of talent entering this lucrative industry, presenting the goals of the program Ratnayake said.
“The industry envisages further growth and aims to establish 1,000 start-ups, create 200,000 jobs and grow industry revenue to US$ 5 billion, he said.
As per a recent IMF report, it is predicted there will be a global shortage of more than 85 million tech workers, representing US $ 8.5 trillion in lost annual revenue by 2030. Sri Lanka currently has around 600+ companies in its IT / BPM eco-system, generating US$ 1.7 billion in revenue.
CEO, GTN Technologies and Head of Global Shared Services, GTN Group and steering committee member NFTI Arjuna Nanayakkara said: “The IT/ BPM industries offer many career choices for those who have a passion for technology, problem-solving and are analytical- minded. It is for school leavers, fresh graduates as well as seasoned professionals. The IT/ BPM sector provides career opportunities in which they can leverage their core field of knowledge.”
“For example, there are BPM companies that provide services in health care, finance and law where doctors, nurses, lawyers and accountants who are passionate about technology can have a career in tech, using their core skill set, Nanayakkara added.
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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