Business
Pathfinder Foundation partners New Zealand HC to promote Lankan dairy sector
The Pathfinder Foundation, in partnership with the New Zealand High Commission in Colombo, organized a high-level Agriculture Reform Panel Discussion titled Prospects for Sri Lanka’s Dairy Industry: International Case Studies at Courtyard by Marriott in Colombo.
Chairman Pathfinder Foundation, Bernard Goonetilleke, mentioned that this forum takes place at a critical juncture where decisions are being taken to implement several policy reforms in Sri Lanka, including in the agricultural sector.
“As an allied sub-sector of agriculture, the dairy industry in Sri Lanka is an important sector of the country’s economy, playing a significant role in providing livelihoods contributing to rural development and ensuring food security”, he said.
New Zealand’s Minister for Agriculture. O’Connor’s statement highlighted that, as agriculture-producing countries, there is a lot that New Zealand and Sri Lanka can learn from each other. He further emphasized that in their experience, the key lies with working together at all levels – local, country, regional and global.
Counsellor (Primary Industries), New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi, Mel Phillips, highlighted that dairy production has a massive impact on human nutrition due to its renowned health benefits.
“In a country facing both animal and human nutrition deficiency, this could be a real opportunity to uplift the dairy sector and, with it, to encourage the lives and the health of Sri Lankans. She further reiterated that there are important decisions yet to be taken in this regard by the Sri Lankan Government and hoped that this had been a useful forum to push that agenda forward.”
Executive Director of the Pathfinder Foundation, Dr. Dayaratna Silva, stated, “There is no one size fits all. India uses one model, which may differ from the New Zeeland model. Sri Lanka can adopt its model, drawing lessons and success stories from these countries.”
The half-day panel discussion included high-level experts from India and Several senior officials representing New Zealand Dairy Industry, who shared scientific evidence, policy analysis, and international best practices in dairy development with the Sri Lankan counterparts that included 60 participants from Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Animal Production and Health, and the National Livestock Development Board, All Island Dairy Association, Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and World Bank.
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
