Business
‘SL way behind in making persons with Down Syndrome productive citizens’
While children and adults with Down Syndrome are becoming increasingly integrated into society and community organizations across the world, Sri Lanka still has some catching up to do, for no other reason than the social stigma attached to same. All such children need an inclusive learning environment to get them integrated into society as productive citizens.
The above are some of the views that were expressed by specialists at a forum to mark World Syndrome Day recently. A press release issued to mark the latter occasion by the Hemas Outreach Foundation said:
‘Hemas Outreach Foundation celebrated World Down Syndrome Day under the theme ‘Thanak Demu’ (a place in society) at the AYATI Centre in Ragama, through the ‘Eka Se Salakamu’ social movement, which empowers children and families with Down Syndrome to live a dignified life.
‘Efforts such as this represent the Hemas Group’s focus to create an inclusive world where no child is left behind. In Sri Lanka, most children and families with Down Syndrome face societal isolation due to stigma, resulting in the public being unaware of the capabilities of this community. Hemas Outreach Foundation is confident that with the right approach, children with Down Syndrome can integrate well into society, making them productive citizens of the nation.
‘Celebrations included creating awareness and casting the spotlight on the remarkable achievements of individuals with Down Syndrome.
‘Speaking at the event, Shiromi Masakorala, Executive Director, Hemas Outreach Foundation/Ayati Trust said, “Though every child in Sri Lanka has the right to free education, children with special needs are often treated differently and are rejected by some schools. While such children may not be the best at academics, all they need is an inclusive learning environment to get them integrated into society as productive citizens. Our mission is to ensure that when it comes to learning, no differentiation should exist among children with Down Syndrome or children with any other disability.
‘Meanwhile, Prof. Samanmali Sumanasena, Professor in Paediatric Disabilities – Disability Studies Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya and Hon. Consultant Paediatrician – North Colombo Teaching Hospital and Ayati National Center for Children with Disabilities, added, “While children and adults with Down Syndrome are becoming increasingly integrated into society and community organisations across the world, Sri Lanka still has some catching up to do, for no other reason than the societal stigma attached to the same. Many fail to understand that such children are gifted in their own ways, from excelling in creativity and the performing arts, to reading into the emotions of those around them. It is also extremely important to understand that these children also can achieve academic strengths and sit for public examinations with reasonable accommodations, hence health and education providers should guide the families to get the best educational outcomes in these children. Together with Hemas Group, we are confident that we can break through these negative stereotypes for good.”
‘Since its launch in 2021 the social movement ‘Eka Se Salakamu’ by Hemas Outreach Foundation has become one of the most proactive groups in terms of creating a platform to recognise the rights of those with Down Syndrome, while promoting inclusivity in today’s society.’
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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