Business
SLT-MOBITEL unveils 2024 Calendar with spotlight on mangrove ecosystem

Reinforcing a commitment to environmental conservation, SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, last week unveiled its much-anticipated 2024 calendar themed ‘The Mangrove Ecosystems in Sri Lanka’. The calendar celebrates the beauty and invaluable ecological significance of the country’s vital mangrove ecosystems and the intrinsic value of the country’s natural heritage.
Prabhath Dahanayake, Chief Marketing Officer, SLT said: “As pioneers of accelerating the nation’s digital transformation, SLT-MOBITEL recognizes its responsibility surpasses business goals. We have highlighted the mangroves ecosystem in our annual 2024 Calendar to create awareness on sustainability and initiative a dialogue for action. We believe mangroves represent a delicate balance of livelihoods and climate resiliency similar, to our robust networks and innovative solutions that aims to uplift society. As a purpose-driven national brand, SLT-MOBITEL commits to inspiring environmental consciousness and safeguard the natural interconnected systems for future generations.”
The calendar features 12 stunning paintings, each depicting a different aspect of the mangrove ecosystem in Sri Lanka. The interconnectedness of life within the mangrove ecosystems is beautifully portrayed by the calendar’s talented artists, Pulasthi Ediriweera, Parami Vidyarathna, and Piumi Maheshika. They have used their creative talents to capture the beauty and diversity of the mangroves.
Professor Sevvandi Jayakody, Chairperson of the National Mangrove Expert Committee and the Chair Professor of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, served as the Resource Person for the calendar, offering valuable advice.
Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody said: “As the Champion to Commonwealth Blue Charter’s forum on ‘Mangrove Ecosystems, Livelihoods Action Group’, Sri Lanka has taken very positive steps in both conserving, restoring and creating public awareness about mangroves. However, we are dealing with a very fragile ecosystem that we have ignored and treated very badly for many decades. Therefore, love and care from everyone is essential at this hour. It is our best effort to safeguard our island nation and her assets.”
Sri Lanka is home to 21 true mangrove species, each uniquely adapted to specific habitats along the island’s coastal wetlands. In total, approximately 19,000 hectares of Sri Lanka’s shoreline are blanketed by remarkable mangrove species and their associated plants.Importantly, for Sri Lanka, the mangroves sustain coastal communities by providing food, fuel, timber, and medicinal resources, in addition to creating fertile fishing grounds.
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.”