Business
SL in urgent need of research-based policy decision-making – Minister of Foreign Affairs
‘Visiting foreign countries with a begging bowl was unpleasant and emotionally-taxing’
By Lynn Ockersz
Vital institutions of the Sri Lankan state, such as the Finance and Foreign Affairs Ministries, need to be headed by technocrats and professionally-adept personnel who would be inclined to make their policy decisions on solid, data-based research, Minister of Foreign Affairs M.U.M. Ali Sabry said.
‘Some countries in the South-east Asian region, although authoritarian in nature at one time, continued to witness steady and vibrant economic progress over the decades. This could be attributable to the fact that technocrats and scientifically-oriented persons were appointed to head their important ministries and were allowed to do their jobs without interference by the rulers concerned, Minister Sabry explained.
The Foreign Affairs Minister was making the inaugural address on August 9th at the launch of the Foreign Policy Forum by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI), Colombo. The event, which was designed as the first of a monthly series of such deliberative forums, featured a panel discussion on the subject, ‘The Changing Global Dynamics: Implications for Sri Lanka’. The panel consisted of, Dr. Harinda Vidanage, Director, International Relations and Founding Director, Centre for Strategic Assessment of the Gen. Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Dr. Dushni Weerakoon, Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies, Sri Lanka, Dr. Jehan Perera, Executive Director, National Peace Council of Sri Lanka and Ambassador H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, former Foreign Secretary. Executive Director, LKI, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinghe, moderated the discussion.
It is of special significance that the holding of the forum coincides with the commemoration of the 18th death anniversary of former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, which falls on August 12th.
Minister Sabry added, among other things: ‘There are two choices before Sri Lanka in the present crisis-hit times: The country’s important political stakeholders could continue with the blame-game or resolve to fight together for Sri Lanka’s wellbeing. It was not pleasant for us to go around with a begging bowl seeking assistance for the country. Equally, it was emotionally-taxing. But it was pleasing to note that everyone whose assistance was asked for wanted to help Sri Lanka.
‘However, though not out of the woods the country has made a comeback. How did we manage to do it? That’s the question. But if we work with great diligence the way the late Lakshman Kadirgamar did, we should be able to put the country back on track. He compelled the international community to take Sri Lanka seriously. He was admired for the principled stance he took on foreign affairs and his vision bore fruition with the launching of the LKI, which today answers the need for a Sri Lankan foreign policy think tank of eminent standing.’
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.”