Business
Private sector chamber offers employment opportunities to government servants
By Sanath Nanayakkare
National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has made a proposal to Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, with a view to providing employment opportunities to government servants in the private sector companies for a specified period.They made this proposal after learning that The Ministry of Public Administration has appointed a committee to look into the possibility of granting 05 years of leave to government employees to work in the private sector.
Considering the financial burden and the reportedly excessive workforce attached to the public sector, NCE member exporters are proposing following options to reach a mutually beneficial agreement for both government and the export sector.The Chamber, however, said that labour requirements of exporters vary according to the relevant industry, yet in general, all categories could be considered.
NCE highlighted following key points in their proposal.
1. Any government employee in the permanent carder is eligible to apply for employment in the export sector, excluding following institutions as they are involved in law enforcement in the country which may lead to conflict of interests.
a) Department of Police
b) Department of Inland Revenue
c) Department of Customs
d) Department of Excise
2. Government to grant unpaid leave up to a maximum of 59 months.
3. Employer will offer a “Temporary Labour Contract “to such selected individuals which include: –
a) Period of contract for 59 months (because on completion of the 60th month, the employee will be eligible for Gratuity.)
b) Their employment will be in accordance with the laws and statutes under which the respective private sector company’s employees of similar cadre is employed.
c) Leave entitlement as per employer’s policy on leave
d) Employment contract can be terminated with either party giving 30 days’ written notice.
e) In case of maternity leave, a number of stipulated days will be available as unpaid leave.
f) At the end of 59 months, the government to absorb such individuals back to the public sector employment as per pertinent rules and regulations.
“The Export Sector has been able to sustain business and has also reached the pre pandemic level of an average of USD.01 billion export revenue during the period January to April 2022. Before the outbreak of the pandemic, exporters were facing difficulties due to the lack of skilled workers. During the pandemic, many exporters were compelled to downsize their operations and lay off employees which has created a vacuum in crucial areas of operations,” NCE said.
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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