Business
Power Ministry Secretary called on to prevent high spending on private lawyers
By Ifham Nizam
The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU) has informed Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardane, Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy, to intervene to prevent the spending millions of rupees as legal fees on private legal counsellors.
A senior electrical engineer told The Island Financial Review that it is a violation of government restrictions to spend in this manner to cover up management blunders.
The Union pointed to the Power and Energy Ministry letter dated February 01, 2023, conveying a Cabinet Decision 23/0199/601/099, dated January 31, 2023 in relation to this issue.
“This decision explicitly instructed all state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to exclusively retain the services of lawyers from the Attorney General’s Department, who the Cabinet says are specially trained and experienced to represent the SOEs in legal matters, the senior engineer said.
He added: “We informed the Secretary that the rationale behind this directive was to curtail high and unnecessary expenditure on private legal services.
“Additionally, the decision mandated that any retention of private lawyers must first secure the agreement of the Honorable Attorney General and obtain approval from the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, following a detailed submission outlining the case and expected legal fees.”
The said Cabinet Decision (which was based on a submission made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe himself) clearly states that in case any SOE fails to adhere to the given Cabinet decision but continues to spend government money on private lawyers, such legal fees be recovered from the private funds of the officer concerned.
‘Regrettably, despite the explicit directives outlined in the Cabinet Decision, we must bring to your attention the ongoing malpractice within the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The CEB continues to engage expensive private lawyers of their own free will, not only to defend against legal actions but also to pursue cases initiated by the CEB, some of which serve the personal agendas of management, the decision states.
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
