Business
‘Of SL’s poverty-stricken 7 million, 75 percent have only two meals per day’
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Sri Lanka is already facing an absolute disruption of households with over seven million people out of the total twenty one million population living in abject poverty. Out of the seven million more than 75 percent have only two meals per day, marketing specialist Dr. Rohantha Athukorale said.
“Although things are going to be difficult for Sri Lanka, the country is now on a recovery path with the country’s GDP growth registered at 1.6 percent in the third quarter of 2023 and three percent in the fourth quarter. But people are still going through major hardships amid such progress, Athukorala said recently at a Rotary Club leadership training conference for members for the year 2024/25.
The programme was held over three days at the Thinnai Hotel, Jaffna recently with the participation of more than 70 Rotary Club members from all walks of life in the country who are prospective presidents of their respective clubs for the year 2024/25. The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of the Governor of the Northern Province, P.S.M Charles, who attended as Chief Guest.
Athukorala added: ‘Our progress is quite satisfactory and above the curve level in all statistics when compared with other countries of the region, such as, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal.
‘Sri Lanka could get out of this rut, if the government manages the economy in a prudent manner. Therefore, with the current Free Trade Agreement with Thailand and deeper penetration of trade with India, Sri Lanka can target 4-5 percent GDP growth in the next few years.
‘Sri Lanka’s recovery has yet to hit the consumer’s end because the latest research revealed that 89 percent of people’s expenditure is more than their income.
‘Further, 45 percent of children in the country find it difficult to purchase stationery for school. Therefore, Rotary as a club has taken the initiative to help such children.’
Rotary sources said that so far the Rotary Club has spent more than US$ 600 million on various projects, including Polio eradication, providing water and sanitation facilities for needy people, tree- planting campaigns and many more human welfare projects.
The Rotary District Governor Elect for the year 2024/25 Sushena Ranatunga spearheaded a project and raised over US $ 400,000 to set up the first Human Heart Valve Bank at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) along with the Rotary Foundation and Rotary Sri Lanka. This is considered the flagship project of Sri Lanka Rotary.
At the event District Governor Jerome Rajendram and District Governor Elect Sushena Ranatunga, Former Rotary Global President K.R Ravindran, former District Governors Dushan Soza, Aruni Malalasekera and Pubudu Soyza among others participated.
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
