Business
SLIM signs a Memorandum of Understanding with SLASSCOM (Guarantee) Limited
The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM), the national chamber for the knowledge and innovation industry in Sri Lanka. The MoU was signed to facilitate internship opportunities for SLIM undergraduates within the SLASSCOM landscape.
Signed on the 21st of September 2021, this partnership will enable undergraduates of SLIM to expand their horizons through internship opportunities within SLASSCOM member companies. This collaboration would create new pathways and development opportunities for students to further their education, familiarise themselves with the IT/BPM industry and advance their career prospects. In addition, SLIM members would be able to engage in mentor programmes organised by the SLASSCOM Forums and Centres of Excellence.
Together, SLIM and SLASSCOM would be able to formulate learning and development initiatives for both organizations through mutually shared resources that would enhance competencies, skills, training, and other avenues for development. Furthermore, as per the agreement, both organizations would be able to share resources for events, facilitate access to events for both memberships and organize collaborative events to support both organizations.
Speaking on this mutually beneficial understanding between SLIM and SLASSCOM, the President of SLIM, Thilanka Abeywardena said, “The mutual understanding between the two companies is beneficial to both the parties. SLIM aims at providing a knowledgeable workforce to the country through marketing education. This objective aligns with SLASSCOM’s forums of Marketing, Capacity, Regional Development, Entrepreneurship, Technology, Quality, Business Process Management, Innovation, and Human Resources. Together, we hope to facilitate a well-rounded group of business leaders that are “Future-Ready” and ready to face the challenges of the business landscape of Sri Lanka.”
The Vice President for Education at SLIM, Nuwan Gamage further elaborated, “This partnership will enhance the overall quality of the workforce of SLASSCOM as our bright and innovative undergraduates would add to their organization. Likewise, this opportunity presents great promise for our undergraduates as they would be presented with the chance to explore their career options, obtain real-life experience in the business industry and more. As one of the best marketing faculties in the country, we aim to continue to produce highly trained professionals and excellent marketers for our nation.”
Sandra de Zoysa, the Chairperson of SLASSCOM, in her address explained the importance of talent development and upskilling at this critical juncture as the nation recovers from the effects of COVID-19. She went on to discuss the synergies that SLASSCOM could leverage in order to expand SLASSCOM’s marketing efforts. Speaking on the need that SLASSCOM has to expand its marketing efforts she emphasised, “There’s a lot to be done on how IT/BPM companies incorporate the Island of Ingenuity branding and this is an area in which our industry can gain a lot, with the help of this monumental partnership between SLASSCOM and SLIM.”
With over 350 member companies and an employee base of over 30,000, SLASSCOM drives the Imagination Economy: Sri Lanka’s Industry of the future, with the potential to become the #1 export revenue earner for Sri Lanka. Coupled with the expertise of SLIM, as the national body for marketing in Sri Lanka, the aspiring young marketers will be nurtured and given the necessary guidance on the road to becoming Future-Ready marketers with entrepreneurial mindsets, ready to pave the way for a better tomorrow for Sri Lanka.
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.”