Business
SLID sets sights on international network to enrich training of future corporate directors
by Sanath Nanayakkare
The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), cementing a relationship with Institutes of Directors (IODs) of India, Singapore and Malaysia and building good contacts and rapport with IODs of the United Kingdom and Australia, is planning to give more from its popular Board Leadership Training Programme to future corporate leaders in Sri Lanka.
SLID Chairman A.R Rasiah made this observation at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo on Wednesday at the SLID Annual Membership Meeting (AMM) held with full in-person attendance, ensuring adherence to the guidelines set out by the health authorities.
The 8th AMM unanimously re-elected all office-bearers including Council Members to represent the interests of the Institute and achieve its desired outcomes amid unprecedented challenges in the year ahead.
Many high-profile corporate leaders, directors and professionals attended the event where Fabrice Cavallin, Managing Director of Nestle Lanka was the chief guest.
The AMM re-elected office bearers- A. R Rasiah, Chairman, M.O.F. Salieh, Senior Vice Chairman, Ms. Aroshi Nanayakkara, Vice Chairperson, M. P. Jayawardena, Immediate Past Chairman and Council Members – D. Rodrigo, Ms. N. Tambiah, R Abeysuriya, Vish Govindasamy, Prakash Schaffter, Dinesh Weerakkody and Ms. Aruni Rajakarier and Secretariat/ Secretary to the Council Ms. Radika Obeyesekere -CEO.
Speaking on the plans ahead Rasiah said: “SLID is now updating its popular Board Leadership Training Programme by revamping to take into consideration the modern changes and the “new norm” in the corporate world. I thank the IFC for its support and assistance given to us. SLID is now trying to build a regional relationship with IODs of India, Singapore and Malaysia while making good contacts and rapport with IODs of United Kingdom and Australia. Integration of global insights from these IODs will enrich our Board Leadership Training Programmes”.
“SLID from its humble beginnings has grown to be in stature and recognition in Sri Lanka today. The very fact there were many organisations willing to partner SLID in many ventures and the excellent response from members to be co-opted into various sub committees was certainly proof of the contribution SLID has been making. The theme of propagating Corporate Governance and training the potential and current directors were the main goals which have been carried out very well. SLID team travelled outstations regularly with the support of the local chambers to conduct seminars to promote Corporate Governance. However due to the current Covid-19 situation, this has been somewhat hampered. However the Secretariat, headed by new CEO, Ms Radika Obeyesekere was very active and conducted five webinars on important topics during the curfew period which were very well attended. Key sub committee forums; namely the audit forum headed by Suren Rajakarier, the Independent directors forum (INED) headed by Faizal Salieh and the recently formed Women Directors forum headed by Ms. Aroshi Nanayakkara have been active all along”.
Fabrice Cavallin Managing Director of Nestle Lanka illustrating his presentation with a video clip explained how Nestle Lanka dealt with the challenges during the Covid-19 situation and how the company empowered its staff by giving them visible leadership from the front, to identify and make the best of the new opportunities that arose with it.
Notably the SLID AMM approved by resolution, to ensure that women make up 25% of its Council Members.
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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