Business
Setting up global universities’ campuses locally could stem ‘dollar drain’- ICBM Campus strategist
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Sri Lanka should urgently look at inviting top global universities to Sri Lanka with the aim of encouraging them to set up their campuses here to prevent the ‘dollar drain’ that results from local students going for overseas education, said business partner, International Center of Business Management (Pvt) Limited (ICBM Campus) and its strategist Dr.Manjula Fernando.
“At present local parents spend over US$ 1 billion annually on their children’s educational expenses overseas but by setting up international universities’ campuses here these students can learn at home and save this huge forex export bill for Sri Lanka and get the same qualification, Fernando told The Island Financial Review.
Fernando added: ‘The current private educational institutes here should seek more affiliations with global universities. This way local students can complete half of their education in Sri Lanka by paying in local currency and then do the final part overseas. This way the country can save a sizeable portion of Forex.
‘ICMB, one of the leading tertiary educational institutions in Sri Lanka has also adopted this model and has already affiliated themselves to the University of Technology Cambodia (ICC). ICBM Campus is a partner Institute for IIC University of Technology, with Cambodia holding rights to deliver its Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral programs for Sri Lankan students.
“The Cambodian ICC is globally recognized and also recognized by the UGC (University Grants Commission) Sri Lanka and hence the education programs that are done with ICBM and ICC have international recognition.I am also assisting start- ups in domain management and upgrades. I see tremendous business potential in these areas and I have a passion to share my experience and strategies free of charge to entrepreneurs to develop this segment to reach the next level in their businesses.
‘The ICBM Campus was established with one fundamental goal: to enable working professionals to secure a higher educational qualification while maintaining a fair balance of work and personal life. Their distant learning route, flexible class schedules and payment plans enable even the busiest of students an opportunity to pursue their higher education.ICBM offers Bachelor’s Degrees (Final Year Entry) (BBA in Management, B.Ed. in Education, BBA in Supply Chain Management, B.Com. in Banking & Finance), Master’s Degrees (Master of Business Administration-MBA) and Doctoral Studies (Doctor of Philosophy-PhD, Doctor of Business Administration-DBA).
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”