Business
Pelwatte sees new appointments to its director board
The Nation’s leading dairy producer which sources 100% of its fresh milk from local dairy farmers, Pelwatte recently strengthened its administration and leadership. Pelwatte is on a mission to grow and sustain itself as the flag bearer dairy brand in Sri Lanka to depend solely on domestic dairy production. In order to see this mission come alive one day, it needs to have the right individuals behind it.
Starting off with the appointment of Lasantha Silva who is a well-known veteran in the dairy industry armed with many years of experience and is equipped with a Masters degree in Manufacturing Services and a MBA from the University of Colombo as the new General Manager of Pelwatte Dairy. “Brands that have their purpose as serving the country in some way are very honourable, Pelwatte Dairy is a very good example of helping the country not only at a macro level but also at a grass root level by helping farmers. I could not be prouder to serve as the general manager for an organization such as this” he added.
Darshana Perera, who is a chartered accountant and with a MBA from the University of Colombo is armed with 20 years of experience in a spread of different industries has been appointed to the board as a non-executive director. Darshana, a well-known finance marvel amongst the accountant and finance community in Sri Lanka has mentored many young prodigies as well. Upon his appointment, he added “It gives me great pride and pleasure to be part of an organization whom I have always admired for their business practices and their ability to dream bigger. The future for Pelwatte is bright and I hope to contribute towards it.”
Last but not least, one of the biggest names in the banking industry with a local and international career spanning more than 30 years, Thilak Piyadigama has been appointed as a non-executive director and he will head the Board Risk Management Committee. Thilak holds an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and attended management development programs at INSEAD in France and at London Business School in the United Kingdom. “Pelwatte Dairy is a brand that takes quality and food safety very seriously, and I admire that about a brand. The effort they put into ensuring that every drop of milk you consume, is truly commendable. I am delighted to have joined such an organization and look to continue and improve the practices being followed” he added.
It is also notable that both Darshana and Thilak have been appointed to the Board Audit Committee which is chaired by Mr. Herschel Gunawardene who is a long serving board member and a well-respected financial veteran.
The above names, come with many years of experience in not just the dairy industry but also in corporate world locally and internationally. This helps Pelwatte Dairy move closer and closer to one day fulfilling its mission of meeting the domestic milk dairy requirement. Other members of the board include Mr. Ariyaseela Wickramanayake, Mr. Akmal Wickramanayake, Mr. Toshan Wickramanayake and Mr. Herschel Gunawardene.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”