Business
‘Proactive measures to ensure timely access to NCD medication’
In lieu of World Diabetes Day, the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) announced their support towards efforts aimed at controlling the spread of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country. While reiterating their commitment towards ensuring an uninterrupted supply of NCD medications, members also encouraged all Sri Lankans to look towards adopting healthy habits to manage the issue of rising rates of diabetes in the country.
In recent years, diabetes has become endemic in Sri Lanka. According to the World Bank (2019), almost 11% of all Sri Lankans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and there is an expected upward trend in the incidence of this health condition globally. Thus, World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to recognize strategies to manage and control the disease and further strengthen health systems in place that facilitate NCD care.
SLCPI President Kasturi Chellaraja reflected on insights gained during the first lockdown at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting earlier this year. She observed that the burden of NCDs – of which diabetes is a significant component – was rising in the country. “We need to help the government in the prevention and cure of NCDs in Sri Lanka. As a core faction of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, we have to look at promoting healthy habits and values among our population,” stated Chellaraja. “As the proportion of people living with diabetes increases, so too does their routine access to medication.”
Chellaraja highlighted that a ‘prevention before cure’ approach should be supported as it can control the spread and severity of the disease. Along this vein, The International Diabetes Federation recommends adopting healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and nutritious eating choices (ex: a low-energy, dense diet) to control the risk of developing an NCD. Studies have proven that lifestyle changes such as this significantly reduce an individual’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for almost 90% of all diabetes cases globally (IDF, 2020).
SLCPI members reiterated that health promotion and disease prevention efforts, especially in a COVID era, need to be complemented by a resilient health system and unhindered medicine delivery. Despite disruptions in logistics and planning due to COVID complications, SLCPI members have ensured that pharmaceutical supply chains have continued seamlessly. Treatment and control of NCDs was identified as a priority in the process of reconfiguring supply chains to become more agile and patient-centric. Prioritizing the needs of NCD patients, pharma companies ensured continuous communication with principals abroad to import essential diabetes medicines for blood sugar control, including Metformin, which is the first-line medication for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
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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