Business
Republic of Korea donates COVID-19 test kits to Sri Lanka
The Republic of Korea donated COVID-19 test kits to Sri Lanka to mark the 43rd Anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka.
This event was held at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo on December 8, organised by the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the embassy of the Republic of Korea in Colombo. The ceremony was attended by the Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Santhush Woonjin JEONG.
Delivering the welcoming remarks, Rohana Ambagolla, Director General of East Asia, stated that the donation of PCR test kits reflects the unwavering commitment of the Republic of Korea to take our bilateral relations to new heights. He emphasised that Korea is a key partner to Sri Lanka especially in the economic sphere and recognised the immense contribution of ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG for the betterment of the communities in Sri Lanka.
The government of the Republic of Korea donated COVID-19 diagnostic kits amounting to the sum of USD 300,000 to contain and control COVID-19. The government of the Republic of Korea deployed these test kits as a gesture of diplomatic goodwill to deter the spread of COVID-19 here in Sri Lanka. The PCR testing kits were officially handed over by ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG to the Foreign Minister at the ceremony.
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunewardena expressed his pleasure to host this event in the Foreign Ministry to mark the 43rd anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka.
He also reflected on the bedrock of cultural and traditional links upon which the two countries have developed a deep mutual understanding, trust and cordial friendship today. He stated that Korea is one of the leading economic partners of Sri Lanka and KOICA has immensely contributed in the socioeconomic development in key sectors of Sri Lanka.
The Foreign Minister thanked Korea for donating PCR test kits to Sri Lanka to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.”This gesture of goodwill will be undoubtedly remembered and valued by the people of Sri Lanka”. He added that, “Korea and Sri Lanka have shared deep rooted and friendly relations over the decades, and I hope that Korea will walk with us closely in this challenging but rewarding journey of nation-building in Sri Lanka”. He also commended Korea’s efficient mechanism to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, Excellency Santhush Woonjin JEONG stated that since his arrival in Sri Lanka last July, many aspects of the country have brought him happiness. He expressed his happiness in the excellent diplomatic ties between the two countries.
He noted that a new era has dawned upon Sri Lanka and South Korea can assist Sri Lanka to revitalise its economy and realise the vision of vistas of prosperity and splendour. “I have observed the positive development since I arrived here in Sri Lanka. I can say that it is the right time for Sri Lanka to change and take a leap to a higher level. I believe that Korea is the very country that can help Sri Lanka achieve the vistas of prosperity and splendour. Korea and Sri Lanka share a lot of similarities in history. Korea and Sri Lanka survived, overcame all difficulties and developed ourselves.”
He also expressed his thankfulness to the anti-COVID taskforce,” I acknowledge with gratitude the contribution and courageous measures taken by the authorities in Sri Lanka that have enabled to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the island”. The Ambassador assured to extend the fullest support to the government of Sri Lanka especially in coordinating the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and assist in issues related to economic recovery. He mentioned that the unwavering cooperation in these tough times is symbolic of the true friendship between our two countries.
Under the “Stay Strong” campaign, Korea and Sri Lanka have been strengthening Anti-Covid collaboration with each other. The Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka has shown its thankfulness by donating re-usable fabric masks to the Sri Lanka Army and Police who have dedicated themselves to protecting people in Sri Lanka including Korean residents amid COVID-19. The Ambassador expressed his commitment to strengthen the public health cooperation in the following year as well. He stated that “Korea and Sri Lanka have been true friends to each other and I would really like to carry happiness (Santhush) to Sri Lanka”.
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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