Business
Slmun 2023’s commitment to raising standards and reducing inequalities
By Anah Cassim
Since its inception in 2008, Sri Lanka Model United Nations (SLMUN) has been the nation’s largest and most prestigious Model United Nations conference and remains a bastion of diplomatic standards, paving the way for other Model United Nations (MUN) simulations within the country. While SLMUN has always been the frontrunner in providing opportunities to develop youth leadership in diplomacy, the 16th session of the conference marks a new milestone in its outstanding commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of MUN conferences.
SLMUN 2023 is well on its way to seeing the participation of a record-breaking 1000+ delegates from all across the country and out, an endeavour which is the first of its kind. This underlies a core value of SLMUN 23: equitable participation and inclusion. SLMUN is also the only conference that has been endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Habitat for Humanity due to the significance and contemporary relevance of the topics that will be discussed at the conference.
What distinguishes SLMUN 23 is that its work and student reach extend far beyond the conference dates. To elevate the quality of debate and discourse, the Executive Committee has undertaken to orchestrate workshops in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna as well as in the Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and North Central provinces with the hope of introducing MUN to students otherwise underrepresented at conferences.
In keeping with SLMUN’s objective of improving the quality and level of participation, SLMUN 23 also extends support to schools across the country regarding conference procedures and setting up MUN clubs. Thus, SLMUN is available to all schools looking to establish their own clubs or needing related assistance.
SLMUN 23 looks beyond SLMUN activities and aims to champion MUN in the nation as the foremost conference in Sri Lanka. In light of this, SLMUN has collaborated with Hill Country Model United Nations (HCMUN), Holy Family Convent Model United Nations (HFCMUN), and Royal Institute Model United Nations (RIMUN), and plans to organise a conference in Jaffna for the first time. SLMUN has already worked with Colombo Operated Model United Nations (COMUN) in organising a book drive which yielded over 6200 books, a joint project that was the first of its kind.
SLMUN 23 follows the tradition of the previous sessions in giving all delegates an insight into their inspirations and role models via ‘SLMUN VOICES’ interviews with notable persons of distinction. Last year’s lineup included Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Dhanushka Kodikara and Bathiya Jayakody. Stay tuned to see whom SLMUN talks to this time!
In short, SLMUN transcends from a mere conference to a central MUN body that aims to foster youth-led diplomacy while ensuring the participation of as many eager voices as possible. The 16th session of SLMUN, which will be held on the 19th and 20th of August 2023 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, has already seen registrations surpass 75%. For anyone interested, be sure to register now via: https://slmun.org/.
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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