Business
Nestlé Connect University Innovation Challenge
Three teams awarded for ideas on nutrition and sustainability
As part of Nestlé’s focus on homegrown innovation, its Nestlé Connect University Innovation Challenge has awarded three undergraduate teams out of 200 participants for their winning ideas in nutrition and sustainability. The competition was launched in late 2020 for undergraduates from four universities – University of Kelaniya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Colombo and University of Moratuwa – to support and encourage innovative thinking among youth in these two areas. Tharushi Mandulika, Ishanika Seneviratne, and Vindula Perera from the University of Jayawardenapura won first place; while Mohamed Shakib, Wageesh Rajapakshe, and Isuru Udayanga, also from the University of Jayawardenapura, won second place. Bimali Bhagya, Michelle Wijesuriya and Dinendrika Sewwandi from the University of Colombo were placed third.
“It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to interact with our young local talent, and hear their thoughts and ideas for the future. Sri Lanka has many natural resources and bright young minds, and in line with our Nestlé Needs YOUth programme, we want to ensure that they have the opportunities they need to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to the country. This competition also supports our desire to heighten the positive impact we have had on Sri Lanka over the last 115 years, via deeper insights and relevant innovations. We want to use more local ingredients and offer products that are not just more nutritious but also sustainable. We believe that we can only bring about lasting positive impact by working closely with the local community for solutions that can benefit all Sri Lankans. We look forward to many more such interactions in the future” said Fabrice Cavallin, Nestlé’s Managing Director.
All participating teams brainstormed ideas for nutritious products that use local ingredients, and initiatives that can enhance the company’s environmental sustainability. The programme helped them connect with experts and mentors to take their ideas from concept to prototype, and apply design thinking and lean agile methodologies.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
