Business
Professor (Capt) Nalaka Jayakody awarded Outstanding Alumnus by prestigious World Maritime University
Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, president of World Maritime University, often renowned as the ‘Ocean Influencer’ (L), and Prof (Dr) Captain Nalaka Jayakody presently serving as VC and CEO of Northshore International Campus (R)
In recognition of his distinctive contributions to the maritime sector both nationally and internationally, Professor (Dr) Capt Nalaka Jayakody, a renowned academic and Master Mariner, was bestowed an Outstanding Alumnus award on November,1 by World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden, making him the first recipient from South Asia.
This prestigious award was conferred at the convocation by the Chancellor of WMU Kitack Lim who is also the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Prof Jayakody obtained his Master of Science (MSc) in Maritime Education and Training (MET) from WMU. This two year full-time programme in 2000-2001 was prior to pursuing his Doctor of Science (DSc) in Maritime Affairs from Dalian Maritime University in China where he also served as a professor. He excelled as a class leader throughout his time at WMU, actively taking part in various activities.
Commenting on this incredible achievement, president of the World Maritime University, Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, stated ‘It is always a great pleasure to be in close contact with our graduates, and to be able to recognise such an eminent graduate, and one who has made such an impact in the field of education is an immense pleasure. Professor Jayakody is an example of how, if we work together, we can transform our world and ensure sustainable development for everyone in it.’
Prof Jayakody was the first and only Sri Lankan to be elected Vice President of the Student Council. He represented WMU for the Malmo Dragon Boat Race for two consecutive years, and participated in many sports such as soccer, badminton, swimming, squash, and athletic, winning the title Sportsman of the Year in 2001.
‘I am delighted to be recognized with this prestigious award from WMU and would like to thank each and every one that made it possible. I always cherish the memorable moments spent at WMU two decades ago, and my learning and achievements during my time here has with no doubt contributed significantly to my ambitions and aspirations,’ said Prof Nalaka Jayakody who now serves as the Vice Chancellor and CEO of Northshore International Campus.
Prior to this, Prof Jayakody was the Vice President of CINEC, having joined the higher education institute as a lecturer in 1998 and quickly rose to senior lecturer, head of the department, dean of the faculty, and director. His enormous contribution towards state and private higher education and maritime sector in the country goes without saying.
Prior to entering the world of academia, Prof Jayakody was the Master of a merchant ship, having sailed with various types of vessels from 1984 to 1998 in ascending ranks of seniority. His maritime training began in 1984 and went to obtain the first Certificate of Competency (CoC) as Class II Second Officer from the Australian Maritime College in 1989, and later the Master Mariner qualification from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Victoria, Australia in 1994.
He is undoubtedly a well experienced seafarer, having traveled over 90 countries working with diverse cultures and people. He takes great pride in being the first and only Sri Lankan Master Mariner and one of the very few in the world to obtain a doctorate and become a professor to date.
Prof Jayakody’s two other well notable awards include the recent International Leadership Innovation Excellence Award’ 2019 by IES India, and ‘Award of Academic Excellence’ 2014 by the then President of Sri Lanka.
Professor Jayakody DSc (Cn), MSc (Swe), FNI (UK), FCILT (UK), FIMarEST (UK), CMarTech (UK), Master Mariner (Aus) also served as the chairman of The Nautical Institute (NI-UK) Sri Lanka Branch, president of the Sri Lanka Association of Non-State Higher Education Institutions (SLANSHEI), and presently serves as an Advisor – Professional Services (Education) of Export Development Board (EDB). He is also a prominent advisor to various state and private sector authorities and institutions.
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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