Business
Renewable energy sector backs President’s vision on building energy security
The renewable energy sector announced its full support for the pledge made by President Ranil Wickremasinghe, at COPE 27 held on 8th November 2022, to secure the power and energy security of the country, at a press meet held in Colombo recently.Addressing the press Small Hydro Power Association Secretary, Warna Dahanayake Attorney at Law said, “We the renewable energy sector of this country is firmly and steadfastly extending our support to President Ranil Wickremasinghe who at the COPE 27 of 8th November 2022 firmly pledged his commitment to increasing the renewable energy contribution to the grid to 70 per cent which at the moment stands at 12 per cent. Also to reduce the carbon footprint to 14.5 per cent from present levels by 2030. At this crucial moment of national crisis, therefore it is not a time for petty bickering but a time we must raise up and stand by the President who has a clear vision to lead us out of this crisis to prosperity. In order to achieve this he said that countries that are interested in investing and being a part of this country’s progress should be brought together to make this project a success.
Consequently, this pledge given by the President to the international community should also be a guide and path for our development.Speaking further he said, today the danger is the country losing its capacity to produce and supply the country’s energy and power needs. This present risk of losing 1200MW of power supplied by the renewable energy sector to the national grid is genuine and will have certain adverse repercussions on the country. This loss to the grid will cause longer power outages and higher tariffs. The shortfall of this power will have to be met only by using costly imported fuel. This will translate into further raising of tariffs, which are already raising grave concerns among all sectors of industry and the domestic market. Therefore, this will also discourage both local and foreign investment in the future he said.Speaking on the present situation, Small Hydro Power Association Secretary,Warna Dahanayake Attorney at Law said, it is an opportune moment that the President is of this view and commitment as the renewable energy sector has in hand projects that can immediately add 150 to 500MW to ease the present power shortage situation which is affecting the country.Nevertheless, it is very encouraging and fortunate that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka under Section 35 of 2002 has by this act been empowered to take all measures to protect and nurture this sector. In its scope of authority, PUCSL has all the required power to intervene and direct the relevant departments to act in any way necessary. Moreover, the settlement of the dues to the sector is an issue that has been tackled by placing this in a proper place of priority in the order of payments made. Whilst having large loan outstandings to local banks all this can be sorted with proper prioritization of settlement, Small Hydro Power Association, Secretary, Warna Dahanayake Attorney at Law 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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
