Business
President champions global recognition for ‘Made in Sri Lanka chocolates’
President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined a vision to become a major global player in the confectionery industry, stressing the potential for the ‘Made in Sri Lanka chocolates’ to gain international recognition.
Speaking at the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionery Manufacturers Association (LCMA) on Wednesday, the President encouraged local confectioners to expand their reach and tap into international markets. Acknowledging the worldwide success of Ceylon tea and cinnamon, Wickremesinghe posed a forward-thinking question, “How long before I can take chocolates and go?”
Expressing optimism, he called on the confectioners to explore new markets and consider exporting their products, insisting on the need to position ‘Made in Sri Lanka chocolates’ as a world-class product comparable to the distinguished reputation of the country’s tea and cinnamon.
Reflecting on the history of the confectionery industry, the President commended the pioneers and highlighted the sector’s growth and resilience.
President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the limitations for expansion within the country and drew attention to the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, in 1978, as a testament to international triumph.
The President urged the confectionery industry to explore intercropping with cocoa, suggesting potential expansion in State plantations in Matale, Kandy, Mawathagama, and Dodangaslanda. Plans for collaboration with smallholders and discussions with the Governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast for cocoa access were also highlighted.
Pledging Government support, the President announced Rs. 8 billion for research and development to foster a thriving confectionery industry, urging collaboration, innovation and expansion into various areas of the food industry.
President Wickremesinghe outlined broader initiatives, including leasing State-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies for the development of the food industry, including confectionery.
He also disclosed plans to modernise agriculture, boost competitiveness through the National Productivity Commission and enhance trade agreements with India and Thailand.
Addressing economic challenges, the President recognised ongoing negotiations for an additional 20 years to address the economic crisis.
Highlighting the need for sustainable solutions, he underscored the importance of export-oriented strategies to overcome financial hurdles. Advocating for increased exports, he identified the confectionery industry, particularly chocolates, as holding the potential for international recognition.
Awards were presented to esteemed confectionery industry founders and manufacturers, including Hinni Appuhamy, and Arthur Von. Possner, Junius Motha, Mineka Wickremesinghe, P.J.C. Perera, Sinnasamy Muttiah, Upali Wijewardene and Vidanage John Appuhami in recognition of their immense contribution.
LCMA Chairman Dr. Samitha Perera has the pivotal role of increasing the country’s dollar income for sustaining current benefits.
He also expressed gratitude for the President’s substantial efforts in the economic recovery of Sri Lanka, acknowledging his presence as a source of courage and strength for the industry’s advancement.
Perera appreciated the President’s endeavours to improve the economy and emphasised the industry’s alignment with those efforts. Recognising the challenges faced amid a tough macroeconomic environment, he affirmed the organisation’s solidarity with the President.
Industrial and Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, accompanied by Finance Minister Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Sanarathunga and members of the LCMA attended the event.
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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