Business
SL’s debt restructuring issues disrupt Kandy city’s JICA-funded sanitation project
By Ifham Nizam
Despite almost three years passing, a billion rupee sanitation project intended to be implemented within Kandy city limits is yet to reach completion as the Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA)—the executing bilateral aid agency—is yet to release the final Rs. 1 billion required to complete the project’s final stage due to matters connected to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process.
“The reason JICA has given for not releasing the final Rs. 1 billion to complete the last leg of the project is Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring. With the Rs. 21 billion we received in three packages to complete the three stages of surveying, planning and building infrastructure to establish the wastewater management system, at least 4,000 households, commercial properties (state and private) and institutions (state and private) are utilizing the facilities. The balance monies, upon receipt, will enable the connecting of the remaining 6,000 wastewater connections, a senior engineer said.
Kandy Municipal Engineer D. M. D. S. Seneviratne told The Island Financial Review that although Rs. 22 billion has been spent on the project, the work has stopped midway. ‘While Rs. 21 billion has been utilized for the sanitation project, it has not been implemented at the final level, he said.
When contacted JICA representative Takashi Kondo told The Island Financial Review that all JICA-funded projects, and not only the Kandy project, were stopped following Sri Lanka’s defaulting on its public debt and the negative image consequently created.
However, Kondo expressed confidence that they are ready to undertake all the technical responsibilities.
The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Executive Director Dilena Pathragoda told The Island Financial Review that as a civic-minded organization, they would do their best for the betterment of the people of Kandy. ‘We would request officials of the Japanese embassy and JICA to consider providing Rs. 1 billion, he added.
‘Building the necessary infrastructure facilities to collect wastewater generated from kitchens, bathrooms and toilets across 733 hectares and providing connections to 12,200 private residences, state institutions, and commercial property units in a densely congested city with complex topography is no easy task, he explained.
Speaking to journalists about the challenges faced by the Municipal Council, Kandy MMC’s Chief Health and Medical Officer Dr. Pasan Jayasinghe said, “Kandy city municipal limits cater to the water and sanitation needs of tax-paying residents and business owners, who number approximately 125,000. In addition, we have 375, 000 daily visitors who access the city for tourism, administrative needs, schooling, work and medical requirements, to name a few.
‘The facility built with international agency funds provides us with the capacity to accommodate the sanitation needs of up to 300,000 people. We currently exceed capacity, especially during torrential rains or when there is overcrowding in the city; for instance, during holidays, he said.
Jayasinghe reiterated that even if communities or businesses complained about pollution caused by improper wastewater disposal, given the limited staff, which included five Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and himself, there were mounting challenges in attending to all complaints.
‘Ideally, one PHI should provide their services to 10,000 persons in the field. However, although I am the Chief Health and Medical Officer, I have to take over some of the field visits. Each of us has to oversee double the capacity of people. We then have to ensure that visitors to the city are provided with hygienic sanitation facilities and that eateries are selling hygienically prepared food. We have serious capacity issues when executing field duties in a city that serves the sanitation needs of 500,000 people, Jayasinghe added.
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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