Business
National planning symposium to explore insights and challenges for a promising future
A Symposium on National Planning is set to take place at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on March 19, 2024. This highly anticipated event aims to bring together policymakers, economists, and political representatives to gain valuable insights into the significance of national planning, its challenges, and future prospects.
The symposium will consist of engaging sessions covering various aspects of national planning. The event will kick off with a session titled “National Planning Today – Insights from Experts,” where authoritative figures, including R H W A Kumarasiri, Director General of National Planning, will share their experiences and perspectives on the current state of national planning. This session will provide profound insights into the critical role of planning in shaping the future of the nation.
Following that, the symposium will feature a session titled “National Planning Yesterday and Its Implications,” presented by Dr. Indrajith Coomarswamy, a renowned economist and former Governor of the Central Bank. Dr. Coomarswamy will provide a historical overview of national planning, offering a retrospective analysis of past strategies and their implications for the present. This session aims to provide valuable lessons and a deeper understanding of the evolution of national planning in the country.
The symposium will also include a session titled “Aligning Macroeconomic Policies with National Planning Objectives,” presented by the Governor of the Central Bank. This session will explore the interplay between national planning and macroeconomic policies, providing insights into aligning economic goals with national planning objectives. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on fostering sustainable growth and stability in the years to come.
The symposium will conclude with a session titled “Addressing the Challenges of National Planning Today,” featuring perspectives from Dr. Lloyd Fernando, a distinguished academic and expert in public policy. Dr. Fernando will shed light on the current challenges faced by national planning initiatives, encompassing areas such as urban development, environmental sustainability, social equity, and technology adoption. This session aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the complex landscape within which national planning operates and offer effective strategies to navigate these challenges.
In addition to leading experts, the symposium welcomes political representatives from parties with parliamentary representation. The National Planning Symposium aims to be a groundbreaking event, providing a platform for knowledge-sharing and critical discussions on the future of national planning. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with prominent experts, gain valuable insights, and contribute to shaping a more robust and inclusive planning framework for the nation.
In addition, the Gamani Corea Foundation has conducted a series of research studies on the socio-economic situation in the country. These studies, in the form of “Issues Papers,” have been completed by eminent socio-economic researchers. The foundation aims to consolidate the findings within the framework of the best-known principles of national planning and invites participation from political parties on a non-partisan basis. Each political party with representation in Parliament is offered five seats to freely express their views at the symposium.
The invitees will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, political representatives, and fellow participants to shape a more robust and inclusive planning framework for the nation.
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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