Business
Nuwan Gamage elected 44th President of Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing
The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) elected Nuwan Gamage as it’s 44th President in its 52nd year along with New Council of Management and Executive Committee for the year 2022/23. Gamage is the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Arinma Holdings and a past Honorary Vice President of SLIM. He has over 20 years of experience in a plethora of fields including infrastructure development, cosmetics, beauty, fashion, and education. He has vast expertise in strategic marketing, brand management, digital marketing, international marketing, corporate communication, and sustainability.
Commenting on his appointment, Gamage said: “As we are all experiencing, Sri Lanka is going through probably the worst economic crisis in its history, I firmly believe that we must have a more collaborative approach with all the relevant stakeholders to take this nation out of this situation. Nation Branding is an exercise where a country aims to build, enhance and manage its reputation on the global stage. It presents the country with the opportunity to be better positioned to deal with foreign nations and build stronger relationships which in turn would benefit the nation economically by means of greater investments, more tourism, higher value and demand for its products and services, attract talented, creative workforce and enhance its influence on the world stage.”
Gamage went on to say: “I look forward to working with the extremely diversified Council of Management and the Executive Committee of SLIM to Develop the Nation branding blueprint for Sri Lanka with the support of the relevant government agencies and private sector expertise.”
The vision for SLIM is ‘to lead the Nation’s efforts towards economic prosperity’ and its mission is ‘to establish marketing as the driving force which enhances business and national value’. In order to drive and align with this vison and mission, Gamage has a six-pillar plan which he plans to implement to its full effect during his tenure. The five pillars are future-proof education, entrepreneurial marketing, sustainable marketing, digital marketing ecosystems, national Level research, and advocacy, which encapsulate a developing a nation branding blueprint.
In terms of education, Gamage believes that focussing on providing knowledge, training and skills is vital stabilise the future of the country. Focus on these aspects is necessary to enable learning in a stable yet enduring manner; this helps change the students’ attitudes and enhances their confidence and helps develop the set of skills required in 2030. In the same vein, Gamage believes that developing a collaborative programme for small-businesses and start-ups to help them with seed funding, mentoring, training and provide growth opportunities will go a long way in their initial stages and help the economy greatly.
It is also his intention to initiate sustainable marketing practices in Sri Lanka by developing a green brand evaluation matrix and accreditation framework. This would encourage Sri Lankan corporates to implement the best possible sustainable practices, and encourage sustainable consumption amongst the community, which would in turn promote a circular economy.
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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