Business
Plantation Minister and top Government officials held discussions with organic Agri experts from Switzerland
A renowned team from Switzerland who are widely regarded as experts on organic agriculture met with Minister of Plantation Hon Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation Mr. Ravindra Hewavitharana on 06th August. During the meeting, the Minister shared the country’s vision for the plantation sector and the approach and measures taken to embrace the organic fertilizer challenge.
The Minister raised many interactive questions during this knowledge-sharing session whilst the team also shared key challenges on embracing an organic ecosystem and ways on overcoming them especially highlighting plantation crops which accounts for a significant percentage of the country’s economy, exports and labor. The Deputy Director- Research Production and Nematologist of Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka (TRI), Keerthi M. Mohotti also participated during the session.
Earlier on that day, the experts had virtual meetings via Zoom with Hon. Dr. Seetha Arambepola, State Minister of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation along with Prof. Ranjith De Silva, Acting Director/CEO of NIFS and Senior Professor in Agricultural Engineering at the Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Peradeniya.
The state minister and Prof. Silva shared insightful presentations on their vision and how training and related activities need to be focused during the conversion from a conventional to an organic agriculture approach including why the government has taken timely decisions on this much needed conversion.
The experts also held discussions with Secretary to the State Ministry of Promoting the Production and Regulating the Supply of Organic Fertilizer Mr. M N Ranasinghe, and Additional Secretary Mr. Mahesh Gammanpila. The officials briefed on the policies and strategy that is being implemented including how numerous development initiatives are already in progress especially in view of the upcoming Maha season, paving the path to successfully achieve a healthy nation under its ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ national policy framework.
They also met with the local EU representative and agriculturist Chandana Hewawasam including officials from GIZ Sri Lanka (German Agency for International Cooperation), and Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of Switzerland in Sri Lanka.
The team of experts are from Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL) and contracted by A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd (Baurs) for a 10-day visit with diverse interactions to study the country’s entire agriculture landscape and the transition towards adopting a strategic and scientific approach to embrace an 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.”
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