Business
Organic agriculture experts visit leading research institutes and academics
Experts from two of the world-renowned institutes on organic agriculture in Switzerland, currently on a brief visit to study the country’s ecosystem, an initiative of A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd (Baurs), met with officials of the country’s leading industry research institutions and academics, including visits to farmer communities including key sites and facilities, with many more planned in their itinerary.
On 05th August, the team of experts held fruitful discussions with Mrs. H M J Ilankoon Menike, Additional Director General- Development of the Department of Agriculture in Peradeniya and Prof. D K N G Pushpakumara, Senior Professor- Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya, one of the oldest and pioneering institute in the country’s higher education in agriculture.
Whilst in Kandy, they visited an organic tea estate in Galaha and took a tour to the state-of-the-art laboratory of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) which conducts various cutting-edge research in natural and social sciences for the nation’s development and scientific advancement, including its Center for Advanced Research on Nitrogen Management in Agriculture (CARNMA).
They met with Dr. Lakshman Rodrigo- Director- Rubber Research Institute, Dr. Mrs. C S Ranasinghe- Director- Coconut Research Institute, and researchers including the principal agriculture scientist at The Centre of Excellence for Organic Agriculture in Makandura, the government body under the purview of under Department of Agriculture and Ministry of Agriculture.
The team visited conventional farmers in Kalpitiya and Thambuththegama, and observed some of the organic fertilizer processors at the Rajanganaya area including a tour to the Dambulla vegetable market. They also held a training session at the Baurs’ site in Anuradhapura for staff, agents, dealers, key farmers and compost producers, in adherence with strict Covid-19 health protocols, and went onto to observe a newly established organic project.
Their 10-day visit to study the country’s agro-ecosystem comes at a time when Sri Lanka stands firm in its decision to ban chemical fertilizers and pesticides and go onto embrace an organic food culture, to achieve a healthy nation under its ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ national policy framework.
The team of experts from the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL) in Switzerland together with Baurs will put together a scientific plan on a holistic approach towards embracing a practically viable organic agroecosystem.
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
