Business
Silk Cooperation declares open state-of-the-art Vegan manufacturing facility
Silk Cooperation, a Supply Chain Management Company in organic and sustainable agriculture, food and beverage and nutraceuticals segment, recently declared open a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Naula, Matale to produce a healthy range of vegan and plant-based products.
These products are marketed and sold under the brand ‘plant based’ and presently available for purchase at Glomark supermarkets island wide and online via www.plantbased.lk with plans already underway to further enhance distribution reach including an ambitious wholesale and export driven strategy. This will further strengthen its position in international markets and bring in the much-required forex primarily through the offering of value-added exports.
‘With almost a decade of experience in the food and agriculture export sector, we are now gearing up to move into new horizons. Our new facility was established with the view of producing innovative vegan products which are healthy for consumers and sustainable for the planet while creating a positive impact on the livelihood of our local farmers and rural communities,’ said Sahan Clive Bakmiwewa, CEO of Silk Cooperation.
The new facility and farms use the latest technology in reducing carbon footprint through water saving mechanisms such as drip irrigation for plantation and adheres to some of the best practices in environmental conservation. Several greenhouses within the farm have also heightened its efficacy by equipping modern vertical agricultural irrigation systems such as ‘Nutrient Film Technique’ (NFT), a first of its kind in the Matale region.
Raw materials are sourced from local farmers embracing fairtrade policies in addition to cultivating its own crops using organic agricultural principles, to ensure the produce is GMO-free and all natural. The farmer communities are also provided with training and scientific know-how, with the aim of encouraging and pursuing a culture of collaboration with other participants in the entire value chain.
One of its products that’s making waves is the plant-based vegan patty, made with young jackfruit and oyster mushrooms as the main raw ingredients, combined with spices and coated with breadcrumbs and fried, serving one as a perfect pre-cooked meat substitute burger patty.
The new facility is also able to manufacture powdered oat and rice milk, facilitating the much-needed substitution for powdered dairy milk for the local and international market, becoming the only facility in Sri Lanka to presently manufacture powdered oat and rice milk.
The operations of the facility and farm will be under the care of Silk Foods Ceylon Ltd., a subsidiary of E-Silk Route Ventures Ltd trading as Silk Cooperation. There are plans to implement ‘Farm Stays’ for tourists who will be able to have a first-hand experience in vegan farming and enjoy raw vegan cuisine within the factory and farm premises.
Silk Cooperation is one of the most sought-after players in the spices, herbs, tea, coconut, superfood, and nutraceutical sectors with presence in Australia, Singapore, Slovenia, Vietnam and Indonesia. Its certifications include USDA Organic, EU Organic and FSSC 22000. It provides sourcing, manufacturing including OBM, packaging and labeling to shipping, logistics including last-mile delivery, spanning across 140 cities in over 15 countries, and exporting to over 40 countries. Silk Cooperation was awarded with the Gold award in the Spices and Spice-based Products sector at the 29th NCE Annual Export Awards held earlier this year, and two Gold awards in last year’s edition including for organic products sector.
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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