Business
Sarvodaya-Fusion joins hands with Google to launch ‘Be Internet Awesome’ in Sri Lanka
Program will help kids be safe, confident explorers of the online world and provide parents and teachers with tools to guide the children
Sarvodaya-Fusion, the ICT for Development arm of Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, is working with Google to bring the ‘Be Internet Awesome’ programme to Sri Lanka. Be Internet Awesome is Google’s free program designed to teach kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety in a fun and engaging format so they can explore the online world with confidence. It also includes resources for educators and families.
The programme is set to be carried out nationally, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA).
Ms. Maithree Malwattegoda, General Manager of Sarvodaya-Fusion said, “With learning moving online during the pandemic, the need for children, parents and teachers to have a better understanding of safe and ways to use the internet is greater than ever. This is why we are thrilled to be able to introduce this global programme to Sri Lankan children, with this collaboration with Google.”
‘Be Internet Awesome’ is an activity-based programme with 5-lessons on being Internet Smart, Internet Alert, Internet Strong, Internet Kind and Internet Brave. The programme will be conducted online and offline due to the uncertainties currently faced by the nation. A web game called ‘Interland’ has also been developed to test the children’s knowledge on the lessons provided in the programme.
Nick Bauer, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager for Google, said, “At Google, we believe that technology can be a force for good – unlocking creativity, fostering expression, and imparting skills that help children and young people build their futures. But at the same time, we recognize that technology can also create risks. We are happy to partner with organisations like Sarvodaya-Fusion to help protect children while also enabling them to play, express themselves and learn online. We would also like to extend our appreciation to the Ministry of Education and ICTA for their collaboration.”
Now, with the introduction of ‘Be Internet Awesome’, Sarvodaya-Fusion can aim at one of its most important segments, the 7-to-14-year age group who has been introduced to the online world due to the pandemic. The need to educate these children on safe, ethical use of the online world is of paramount importance, and this collaboration and programme is dedicated to pass on that knowledge based on real world scenarios in a very child friendly manner.
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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