Business
President vows support for confectionery industry
Pledges Rs. 8 billion for R&D in product diversification and innovation
Signals access to cocoa intercropping in regional plantations
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Ceylon chocolates should begin to be considered by the export market across the world on par with the renowned brand identities of Ceylon Tea and cinnamon, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in Colombo on January 24, addressing the 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Lanka Confectionery Manufacturers Association (LCMA) at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo.
Acknowledging the success of Ceylon Tea and cinnamon globally, the President asked how long locally produced chocolates would take to gain the same level of brand identity.
“Sri Lanka has the potential to become a global player in the confectionery industry it being a low-hanging fruit, therefore, I want you to expand your horizons and tap into international markets, the President told the leading Sri Lankan confectioners who were participating in the event.
“We have the knowhow and resources to position locally produced chocolates as a world-class product similar to our world renowned brands of tea and cinnamon. So the confectionary industry needs to embark on a journey towards global recognition and market presence,” he said.
Citing the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 1978, the President hailed the pioneers of the industry and urged the current players of the industry to look beyond borders and expand their footprint into new markets by exporting their products.
The President went on to pledge Rs. 8 billion for Research and Development (R&D) to foster a thriving confectionery industry with innovation and diversification to take the industry to the next level.
“We will collaborate with the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast as well as small cocoa producers in those countries to facilitate cocoa producing in Sri Lanka,” he said.
“We are considering initiatives to lease out State-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies for the development of the food industry including the confectionery sector,” he said.
Esteemed confectionery industry founders and manufacturers were honoured at the AGM of the LCMA; 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 to the sector.
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
