Business
Poor and weaker leadership has created an ill-fated destiny for Sri Lanka: NCE
The economic and social failure has turned Sri Lanka on its head and the poor and weaker leadership itself has helped create the current ill-fated condition in the country, the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) says.
Issuing a press statement, NCE says:
“Despite a set target to reach US$ 20 billion export revenue in 2022, the government has failed to maintain a regular supply of power and energy, completely disrupting the production process of this country. Sri Lankan Exporters are facing extreme difficulties to continue with their daily operation under this tragic circumstances and opting for generators have increased the cost of production. The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE), the exclusive Chamber representing Sri Lankan Exporters has expressed grave concern and disappointment over the failure of policy makers and responsible state institutions to resolve this disaster.”
“The Chamber predominantly points out with dismay the poor decisions, faulty assumptions, ineffective planning, sluggish responses and above all, the poor and weaker leadership itself has helped create this ill-fated condition. The stark assessment that, time and again those who were responsible protecting and leading the nation have failed miserably to do either. One failure leading to another has created a mayhem which fractured the whole system leading to a massive social unrest.”
“The prolonged power cuts of 10-13 hours impact the general public causing them to suffer and also the industries. The production cannot be planned properly and workers also cannot report to work with no transport. Making things worse, the high inflation with the cost of living becoming unbearable, the country is currently experiencing a social unrest as people have no other option but to fight for their rights, with children, old and the sick are affected badly, not to mention the deprived sleep.”
“NCE also laments the fact that the current crisis has arisen due to the abject failure of the policy makers and responsible state institutions in the power and energy sector to implement the projects for alternative power generation, over and above the capacity for hydropower generation, to meet the projected demand in terms of the Master Power Sector Plan, in respect of expanded production activities and domestic consumer demand.”
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The economic and social failure has turned Sri Lanka on its head. It is clear that responsible decision makers need to step up and act quickly to find ways to at least mitigate further disasters. There is much we don’t know about what happens next, but what we do know is that leadership is not where it should be and the system as it stands now is clearly unfit to resolve these matters,” NCE says.
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.”
