Business
SLT-Mobitel to offer its underutilised properties to corporate sector on long term lease
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
SLT-Mobitel has more than 580 properties throughout the country and plans to offer those lands and properties to other companies on lease to raise around Rs 400 to 500 million from them, Rohan Fernando, Group Chairman SLT-Mobitel said.
“We have already discussed with unions and other relevant stakeholders in order to take the initiative to offer land to leading companies like the Commercial Bank, Pizza Hut and other companies on long term lease so that we can utilize some of our underutilized assets. `We hope to earn around Rs 400 million from this venture from next year. ’’ Fernando told at a media conference at Cinnamon Grand Hotel on Tuesday.
He was speaking at the SLT-Mobitel Digitally Ready for System Change in Sri Lanka’ event yesterday. Fernando said most of the loss making State owned enterprises have huge underutilized assets including huge unused land base and these should be put to use.
SLT-Mobel is one of the few companies never burdened on the government coffers and its is totally independent and listed in the stock market. ” Therefore, last week we paid dividend through a cheque amounting to Rs 1.8 billion to the Ministry of Finance” Fernando said.
Chairman said that in the public sector there is more than 1.5 million workforce and half of the government tax goes to pay salaries to them. Therefore, IMF reiterates to downsize the number, which is a very unpopular decision for the government at this juncture, he said
“Even if you go to the IMF for 50 times it will not create a system change for economic benefits without taking drastic measures especially in the public sector to cut down expenses,” Fernando said.
He also said that they have had cordial discussions with the unions and other bodies before executing these projects. Similarly, other government bodies too can take a leaf from us and provide their unused land and other infrastructure to the private sector and earn revenue. He also said that in another cost cutting move the SLT and Mobitel amalgamation saw offices of both coming under one roof.
Fernando said that digital is the future of Sri Lanka but sadly bureaucracy, changing of ministers and changing of secretaries delay the implementation of this process. “For example we have provided ticketless travel e- gates to the transport and railway sector but it is still to be utilised,” he said.
Similarly, we have offered the Sri Lanka judiciary system where a person can get an email or SMS about their next court case date, but sadly this too is yet to be implemented.”This is why I say that the IMF bail out alone won’t help to resurrect the Sri Lanka economy.”
SLT-Mobitel also announced a national proposal to enhance critical services and sectors, and digitally empower citizens. The new system change proposed by SLT-Mobitel places digitally empowered citizens at its foundation, with digitalisation of identities and strong digital security and privacy.
This will serve as the building block for new technological innovations that can strengthen Digital Commerce and E-Governance in all aspects of operations critical to the county. SLT-Mobitel has identified healthcare, education, transportation, agriculture, tourism, judiciary and banking and finance as critical services and sectors that can thrive under this new system, more efficiently and transparently.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
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