Business
No point in giving tax breaks to hotel industry without nurturing talent pool in the sector: President
There is no point in offering tax concessions to the hotel industry when they don’t have enough skilled staff to run the hotels effectively, and therefore, a concerted effort is needed to improve and nurture the talent base of the hospitality sector, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said recently.
The President made this statement addressing the Culinary Art Food Expo (CAFÉ) 2023 on 09th June 2023 at the BMICH Colombo.
“Chefs who have earned world class stars signify quality cuisine of a particular country, So more and more of our chefs should be trained to offer the kind of meals foreign tourists find it worth coming to Sri Lanka, and I propose to you that such international criteria should be included in the new tourism policy, I think we should have a proper system of grading our chefs where international cuisine is served. Why don’t we pursue international standards and give them the opportunity to master in the techniques of varied cuisines and empower them to earn stars for their dishes in order to bring the world’s attention to Sri Lankan chefs’ skills? I think when the new tourist policy is announced, it is a matter that you will have to discuss with the Ministry of Tourism,” he said.
The President said that it is the aim of the government to maximize the contribution of Sri Lanka Tourism in order to achieve the development goals of the country.
Further speaking he said,” The growth policy of the government includes tourist arrivals to double in the first stage and subsequently increase it up to 5 million. And then, we need to increase tourism earnings by attracting high-end tourists to visit Sri Lanka. Some are worried whether it is a difficult leap to make. I don’t think you have any other option. A significant number of the hotel industry human resource is leaving the country because it is more attractive to work elsewhere. We have to at least match with the remunerations paid in the Maldives to retain our hotel industry workforce. Otherwise you can’t retain the talent pool to effectively run the tourist industry.”
“The government will help hotels and associations to expand their talent pool and this has to be led by the private players. We will help by starting one school for cuisine and culinary art. I hope that the others will then follow suit. We can set up such schools in Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Ella and Dambulla. Also, the government can support by getting chefs from abroad to come here and share their knowledge and experience with younger members of the profession. I would like to see some of the private entrepreneurs coming forward for this endeavour. You can’t develop the tourist industry without developing the human resource.”
“There is no point in giving tax incentives to hotels when they don’t have the required skilled talent in their kitchens. To realize the full potential of the workforce, the government is willing to collaborate with you in the next two months and announce our new policies. You will be surprised to hear the changes we are going to make in order to facilitate and empower the talent space in the tourism industry for which the support and contribution of your associations will be key,” he said.
The Chefs Guild of Lanka organized the Culinary Art and Food Exhibition which showcased the talent of culinary artists from across 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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
