Business
Norlanka and University of Kelaniya take the lead in mangrove conservation efforts & carbon neutralization
Norlanka, one of Sri Lanka’s largest sustainable exporters of baby and kids wear, together with the Environmental Conservation and Management Society of University of Kelaniya recently concluded Phase 1 of a mangrove restoration project in the coastal area of Chilaw. Over 100 participants from Norlanka and the university joined this restoration project.
Mangrove ecosystems of Sri Lanka are rapidly degrading due to the pollution caused by various human activities. This project aims to restore mangrove ecosystems in selected areas of the Sri Lankan coast while raising awareness on their importance. During the initial stages, a series of webinars were conducted by the University to create awareness about the project.
Under Phase 1 of the project, 650 mangrove plants were restored with the help of the volunteers. Phase 2 of the project involves regular monitoring of the changes in the restored mangrove cover. During the first two years, regular monitoring of growing seedlings and maintenance work needs to be carried out to ensure the plants grow properly.
Mangroves protect the seashores from erosion and are the first line of defense for coastal communities from storms and provide homes for various animal species. They store 3 to 5 times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests. Through their dense network of roots and surrounding vegetation, mangroves filter and help to maintain water quality. They also provide livelihood for communities through fishing and eco-tourism. Restoring 650 mangrove plants will have a total carbon sequestration of 7,995kg per year. Throughout the lifespan of the 650 mangrove plants, 199,875kg of CO2 can be removed.
Norlanka Chief Innovation Officer Buddhi Paranamana commented, “The global apparel industry has a significant effect on the environment and therefore we need to always strive to create an industry that is held accountable. Norlanka is a company that firmly believes in this and that is why, along with our many other ESG efforts, we have invested in reforestation programs. We have a set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by the year 2025, and this mangrove restoration project with the collaboration of University of Kelaniya is just one of many initiatives that we’ve commenced to ensure achieving sustainable excellence.”
Norlanka is a confluent apparel solutions provider, from design to delivery, for over 20 international fashion brands and retailers and works closely with over 40 partner factories across Sri Lanka. These factories help ship 20 million garments a year, making the company one of Sri Lanka’s largest sustainable exporters of baby and kidswear while the company’s diverse product portfolio also consists of active wear, casual wear, and athleisure. Its global clients include Primark, Matalan, Walmart, Superdry, George and many others. Norlanka is ‘a global company built on local roots’ with manufacturing operations in India and Bangladesh and expanding to several other countries. It is part of PDS Limited, a global manufacturing and sourcing platform with a footprint in over 22 countries.
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
