Business
SL embassy in rok aggressively promotes economic diplomacy through webinars
The Commercial Division of the embassy of Sri Lanka in the Republic of Korea has been tenaciously and aggressively promoting economic, investment and commercial activity with particular focus on exports from Sri Lanka to the RoK and attraction of foreign direct investments (FDIs) and international joint ventures, among others, to boost and augment the economy of Sri Lanka, given the slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the last couple of months, the embassy in Seoul conducted webinars to promote the exports of tea to the RoK, establish linkages for processing of gems and jewelry as well as exports to the RoK, use Sri Lanka as a hub for boat manufacturing and ship building and high-level meeting with the president and top most management of Hanseo University to establish a branch (FDI) in Sri Lanka, among others.
The embassy in close coordination with the Tea Association of Korea and Sri Lanka Tea Board as well as a large number of importers of Ceylon Tea and potential importers conducted a 90-minute webinar, which included a short video of Ceylon Tea, addresses by Jayampathi Molligoda, chairman of Sri Lanka Tea Board; Niraj De Mel, Deputy chairman of Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC; Shawn S. Jung, Chairman of Tea Association of Korea and opening and closing remarks by ambassador Dr. A. Saj U. Mendis and Ms. Rekha Mallikarachchi, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka respectively.
Ambassador Dr. Mendis stated in his opening remarks that the quantum of cups of tea sold in year 2016 has increased by three times, now, thus clearly and lucidly manifesting the growing demand of tea in the RoK. The chairman of Sri Lanka Tea Board and Deputy Chairman of Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC accentuated and illustrated the utility and benefits of tea for health and wellbeing as well as the illustrious history of tea in Sri Lanka for nearly two centuries. Over 80 business houses and importers as well as interested parties pro-actively participated at this fascinating webinar titled “Ceylon Tea Tasting”.
The embassy in close collaboration with Korea Gem Trade Association known as KGTA and National Gem and Jewelry Authority (NGJA) of Sri Lanka conducted a webinar, along with comprehensive graphic presentations, in order to promote exports of gems and jewelry to the RoK. Tilak Weerasinghe, chairman of NGJA and Hong Jae Young, chairman of KGTA as well as the ambassador Dr. Mendis and Minister Counsellor Ms. Mallikarachchi, among others, addressed the webinar. One of the key attributes was to encourage and lure the corporate houses specialized in gems and precious stones to be engaged with Sri Lanka in the sphere of gems and jewelry leading to international joint ventures. Further, the speakers stated that Sri Lanka possesses exquisite craftsmanship and sophisticated creativity, blended with modern technology, thus focusing on excellence on designing and fashioning, making Sri Lanka a unique hub for gems and jewelry in Asia. This webinar too was attended by a large number of participants from both ends of the equation.
Since Sri Lanka has the capacity and technical know-how in boat and shipbuilding industry for many decades, the embassy in close cooperation with Korea Medium & Small Shipbuilding Industry Cooperative (KOMSSIC) and Sri Lanka Boat Building Industry conducted a webinar to profile and project the capacities of Sri Lanka in this sphere. Gamini Herath, Managing Director of boat building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI) and Bae Chui-nam, Executive Director of KOMSSIC made presentations and addresses of the capacities, necessities and requirements of this sector. Both ambassador Dr. Mendis and Commercial Minister Counsellor Ms. Mallikarachchi delivered the opening and closing remarks. Dr. Mendis stated that this sector has a distinct advantage to become a hub in the entire Asian region due to its strategic location, highly trainable and adaptable workforce, state-of-the-art technology, proven expertise and advantage of cost of labor, amongothers.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
