Business
SL pavilion a big hit among global visitors at the World’s largest agricultural trade fair in Germany
The Sri Lankan pavilion at the International Green Week (IGW) 2023 was officially opened by Marie Antonia von Schönburg, Chief Delegate of Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), in attendance of Thiloma Abayajeewa, Head of Chancery at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Germany, and Suresh De Mel, Chairman of the Export Development Board. AHK Sri Lanka organized the Sri Lankan pavilion with the purpose of showcasing and increasing awareness about the country’s agricultural and food products on a global scale.
IGW is recognized as the world’s largest trade fair for food, agriculture, and gardening. The 87th edition of IGW will take place at Messe Berlin from 20-29 January. 1,400 exhibitors from 60 countries will display their authentic products & services and more than 400,000 visitors from 161 countries are expected to visit this international event. In addition, over 70 foreign ministers will attend the 10-day exhibition and over 300 international journalists from around 75 countries are accredited to cover the event.
Schönburg commented that “AHK Sri Lanka chose IGW as the perfect platform for ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ products, to grant them exposure and create more business opportunities for exporters. The Sri Lankan pavilion aims to ensure high quality agri-products from Sri Lanka reach a larger market”. She also stressed how crucial it is for Sri Lankan exporters to attend these trade shows. Doing so can lead to more confidence and trust from foreign partners, resulting in higher export volumes. Additionally, this will help them comprehend what the world market expects from their products and services.
Eleven Sri Lanka companies, namely CAP Organic, Dimo Agribusiness, Elpitiya Plantation, Ceylon Exports & Trading (Pvt) Ltd, RRR & Co, E.C. Holdings Pvt Ltd, S H International Trading (Pvt) Ltd, Viain Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Colombo Agro Impex, The Agristuff, and Smart Products Lanka (Pvt) Ltd will exhibit their products at the Sri Lankan pavilion.
They offer visitors of IGW a range of coconut-based products, organic products, teas, spices, fruits, fruit-based products, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages and Sri Lankan ready to eat and ready to drink products. Sri Lanka’s pavilion proved to be a big hit among global visitors, from potential business partners and buyers to media outlets and retail and wholesale chains. Everyone was eager to sample the authentic Sri Lankan food showcased there.
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.”