Business
Project to create and retain jobs for 12,000 women in SL
A two-year partnership, known as SheWorks Sri Lanka, has led to a 12 percent increase in the number of women employed by 15 of the country’s leading companies, equating to over 12,000 more women in the workforce.
Initiated by Women in Work, a partnership between IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—and the Australian government, SheWorks Sri Lanka aimed to create more equal and respectful workplaces for women and men in the country’s workforce, while also boosting business productivity and growth.
Launched in March 2018, the partnership has seen the SheWorks companies implement 97 gender-smart actions focused on increasing women’s business leadership, ensuring recruitment and retention of female talent, exploring employer-supported childcare, promoting anti-sexual harassment mechanisms, and supporting women in the supply chain.
The partnership also led to a one-third increase in the number of women board directors in the SheWorks companies as well as a 21 percent rise in the number of women in leadership roles. Six companies saw an 8 to 60 percent increase in the share of women in middle management.
“For growth to be truly inclusive, strengthening opportunities for women in the workforce is a must and the SheWorks companies have shown how advancing workplace equality also improves business outcomes.” said Amena Arif, IFC Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives. “We look forward to seeing other Sri Lankan companies step up and embrace the gender equality agenda in the workplace.”
Women’s participation in Sri Lanka’s labor force remains low at 34 percent, less than half that of men. Further, women in the 20-40 age group are the most disadvantaged, securing only 30 percent of jobs in the private sector, reflecting women’s increased care responsibilities that are associated with marriage and childbearing and other entrenched social norms. Against this backdrop, it is essential that companies create an environment where both men and women can thrive at work.
“SheWorks has delivered significant ‘gender shifts’ in Sri Lanka’s workforce that have ultimately improved the corporate bottom line. More companies are providing opportunities for women in non-traditional roles and male-dominated sectors, including in corporate leadership,” said David Holly, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. “These companies set an example for others to follow in promoting greater gender equality across the country.”
Representing over 170,000 employees, the 15 companies spread across Sri Lanka’s priority industries such as garments and apparel, tourism, information technology, banking and finance and conglomerates. SheWorks Sri Lanka members include AIA Insurance Lanka Ltd, Brandix Apparel Limited, CBL Group, DIMO, Fairway Holdings, Hela Clothing, Hemas Holdings PLC, Jetwing, John Keells Holdings, London Stock Exchange Group, MAS Holdings, National Development Bank, SANASA Development Bank, South Asia Gateway Terminals, and Standard Chartered Bank.
An IFC publication ‘Sri Lankan Business Advance Gender Equality’ provides in-depth information on the impact and business results of the SheWorks Sri Lanka partnership—from March 2018 to December 2019.
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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