Business
Russian entrepreneur targeting over Rs. 7 billion investment in SL’s healthcare sector
By Ifham Nizam
In a significant development for Sri Lanka’s tourism and healthcare industries, a Russian investor has announced ambitious expansion plans, running into over Rs. 7 billion, following the success of the Palm Garden Ayurveda Resort, Group’s Consultant Dr. Sohan Harsha Fernando told The Island Financial Review.
The Palm Garden Ayurveda Resort, a 6 million USD project, includes a separate spice garden which supplies produce for its dedicated Ayurveda center, spearheaded by the same investor. It has emerged as a beacon of wholeness in the country’s tourism sector.
Building upon this success, the investor now intends to invest a staggering Rs. 7.2 billion in further ventures across the country.
The Palm Garden Ayurveda Resort, nestling just 600 meters from Kabalana Beach, epitomizes tranquility and relaxation. Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness center and luxurious accommodation, the resort has set a new standard for wellness tourism in Sri Lanka.
Its success is a testament to the investor’s commitment to excellence and dedication to promoting holistic wellbeing, tourism sources said.
With the Palm Garden Ayurveda Resort serving as a blueprint for success, the investor aims to replicate this model across five additional locations in Sri Lanka, it is learnt.
‘These new Ayurveda resorts will not only enrich the country’s tourism offerings but also create job opportunities, promote Sri Lankan Ayurveda and stimulate economic growth in the region, Fernando said.
Fernando added: ‘Moreover, the investor’s plans extend beyond the hospitality sector. In a groundbreaking move, he intends to establish a Russian medical school in Sri Lanka, signaling a significant advancement in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
‘This initiative promises to elevate medical education standards and foster collaboration between Russian and Sri Lankan medical professionals, ultimately enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide.
‘Additionally, the investor’s exploration of medical herb cultivation for pharmaceutical purposes underscores his commitment to innovation and scientific advancement.
‘By harnessing the therapeutic properties of medical cannabis and other indigenous plants, he seeks to develop cutting-edge treatment and bolster Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical industry.
‘As the Russian investor’s multi-million-dollar expansion plans unfold, they are poised to make a transformative impact on Sri Lanka’s economy and society. Their visionary approach and substantial investment reflect a deep belief in the country’s potential as a hub for tourism, education, and medical innovation.
‘With the Palm Garden Ayurveda Resort as a shining example of success, these new ventures are sure to generate excitement and anticipation among stakeholders across various sectors, paving the way for a brighter future for 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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