Business
Pakistan to help boost local pharmaceuticals manufacturing
The Pakistani delegation donated a stock of chronic care pharmaceuticals from the people of Pakistan to State Minister (Prof.) Channa Jayasumana, M.P. for the people of Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA) facilitated a bilateral meeting on the February 24 with visiting representatives of the Pakistani Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA). The meeting was presided over by (Prof.) Channa Jayasumana, M.P., State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals and accompanied by Rohitha Uduwawla, Secretary to the Ministry and Dr. Lakshitha Rajakaruna. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the first state visit by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to Sri Lanka.
The first bilateral meeting between pharmaceutical manufacturers of the two countries focused on mutually beneficial proposals for both nations to leverage on opportunities provided by each for the other. State Minister Jayasumana requested the Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturers to share their experience in developing Pakistan’s local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The State Minister also invited the PPMA to set up joint ventures with local pharmaceutical companies to manufacture complex molecules in Sri Lanka, in order to benefit from the government’s drive to increase local pharmaceutical manufacturing to 50% of country’s requirement by 2025, where Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers will have to manufacture at least 350+ pharmaceuticals locally.
Responding to the invitation by the State Minister, Mr. Kashif Sajjad Sheikh, Head of the Pakistani Pharmaceutical Delegation promised to share the best practices and technical knowhow with the SLPMA. He also invited the State Minister and SLPMA to visit Pakistan to make a Road Show on the Opportunities for Pharmaceutical manufacturing in Sri Lanka and enter in to MOUs with prospective Pakistan companies, which will be facilitated by PPMA. Elaborating further, Mr. Kashif stated that it is a good sign that Sri Lankan government policies and the National Medicinal Regulatory Authority are supporting local manufacturing. He also emphasized the importance of extending the present buyback policy of government for new products to be developed in the future, which will be a definite boost for local manufacturers.
The SLPMA emphasized on the importance of the Pakistani pharma story for local policy makers, especially in learning how the Pakistani government moved towards formulating a long term policy and incentivised the private sector towards local manufacturing. Currently producing over 93 drugs providing 15% of the local requirement of pharmaceuticals, the SLPMA pointed out that synergy between the two chambers will result in crucial technical transfers from Pakistan to Sri Lanka allowing the local industry to benefit from the years of research and development by the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association. The SLPMA is hoping to achieve 50% production of local pharmaceutical requirements by 2025, and a target of US$ 1 Billion per year in exports by 2030. SLPMA was represented by Mr. Sanjaya Jayaratna (President), Mr. Kalana Hewamallika (Vice President), Executive Committee Members Mr. Viraj Manatunga and Mr. Murtaza Esufally.
Discussing long term opportunities to work together, the Sri Lankan delegation invited Pakistan to relocate its pharma export centers in Sri Lanka, both for its strategic location globally and also because Sri Lanka being one of Pakistan’s largest pharmaceuticals export markets. The Sri Lankan delegation accepted the invite of PPMA to visit Pakistan to conduct a Road Show and experience the success story of Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry, which are going to be key important factors to the development of Sri Lankan Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Sector.
Marking the historic event, the Pakistani delegation donated a stock of chronic care pharmaceuticals worth approximately LKR 18 mn to Hon. (Prof.) Channa Jayasumana, M.P., State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals and Mr. Rohitha Uduwawla.
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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