Business
Pintharu Abhiman workshop series empowers wood painters across the Island
The ‘JAT Pintharu Abhiman’ workshop series is making a significant impact in empowering wood craftsmen across the island. JAT Holdings PLC, the market leader for wood coatings in Sri Lanka, joined forces with the National Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) to launch the ‘JAT Pintharu Abhiman’ program. The primary goal of this program is to enhance the knowledge, skills, and technical expertise of wood craftsmen in the country, functioning as a community development initiative to uplift the wood coating and paint industry.
The JAT Pintharoo Shilpee Abhiman program strives to provide professional recognition, financial stability, and professional training to local painters and carpenters. Introduced in 2021, the program aims to pave the way for participants to attain the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ Certificate) recognized internationally through NAITA.
Through continuous collaboration, incorporating new international technologies, painting techniques, and hands-on experience, the initiative aims to elevate the standards of the local painting industry. The ultimate objective is to enhance the professional appeal of the painting industry, contributing to increased employment opportunities in the country.
In the current year, during the seven sessions organized between October and December, JAT has trained around 800 painters through the JAT Pintharu Abhiman program in partnership with the MBC media network. As part of the ongoing efforts, JAT has planned several more workshops across the Island, and over 1,000 painters will have benefited from this already successful initiative by the time this series of workshops concludes. The collaboration with the MTV MBC media network has significantly boosted media coverage and publicity, resulting in a notable increase in the participation rate of painters from various regions. Additionally, more than 300 participants have received internationally recognized NVQ certificates.
Traditionally, obtaining an NVQ certification involves a lengthy process with multiple steps which consumes a lot of time, cost, and effort on the part of applicants. However, the collaboration between JAT and NAITA streamlines the qualification process, allowing painters to achieve the certification in just three steps, in three days, following the successful completion of a practical assessment.
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
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