Business
Nestlé Lanka receives carbon footprint verification for its upstream coconut value chain from the Sri Lanka Climate Fund
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Helps the company in its journey of achieving net zero emissions by 2050
Nestlé Lanka successfully completed the coconut value chain analysis from raw material acquisition up to reception at its Kurunegala factory and received carbon footprint verification from the Sri Lanka Climate Fund, making the company the first in Sri Lanka to complete the verification for the upstream coconut value chain. Recommendations from the analysis will be used as a guiding light to develop a comprehensive roadmap to neutralize emissions in the company’s coconut value chain and move towards regenerative agricultural practices, in its journey of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
“It is a privilege to have received carbon footprint verification from an esteemed organization such as the Sri Lanka Climate Fund, bearing testament to our unwavering commitment towards doing good for the planet. As coconut is one of our main ingredients, this verification is a significant milestone in our net zero journey, helping further reduce emissions in our coconut value chain. Sustainability is embedded into the way we do business; we work together with our stakeholders from farm to fork to deliver on our promise of ‘Good food, Good life’, whilst accelerating our efforts towards net zero. Towards this end, we will also conduct similar analyses to other value chains as well” said Jason Avanceña, Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka.
As one of the largest exporters of coconut milk powder in the country, Nestlé Lanka contributes towards the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka, helping uplift the local coconut industry and creating sustainable livelihoods for farming communities. Since the introduction of Maggi Real Coconut Milk Powder in 1986, the company has supported the livelihoods of over 8,000 local coconut farmers. In 2021, the company contributed Rs. 6 billion to the local coconut industry procuring over 94 million coconuts to produce Maggi Real Coconut Milk Powder, which is sold in over 50 countries worldwide, contributing towards the generation of foreign exchange.
Recognizing Nestlé Lanka’s significant contribution to the country’s export sector, the company was awarded the Best Exporter in the Coconut Kernel Sector for the financial years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, at the 24th Presidential Export Awards organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).
Driven by its purpose of ‘unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’, Nestlé has nourished generations of Sri Lankan families with high quality food and beverages from early childhood to old age. Having started its operations in Sri Lanka in 1906, today, Nestlé has become an integral part of Sri Lankan lives and contributes to the livelihoods of more than 25,000 Sri Lankan dairy and coconut farmers and out growers and provides direct employment to over 800. The company manufacture over 90% of its products sold in Sri Lanka locally at their state-of-the-art factory in Kurunegala, employing strict safety and quality controls.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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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
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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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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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.”