Business
SLTC hosts Research and Innovation Awards Night to felicitate top achievers
Sri Lanka’s foremost corporate powered research University, Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC), recently successfully concluded its Research and Innovation Awards Night – RaIN 2021 – to felicitate achievers who have won international and national recognition for research and innovation. The event was held at the SLTC Padukka Campus and was graced by Min. Namal Rajapaksa, Minister of Youth & Sports, as the Chief Guest and Minister of Trade Min. Dr. Bandula Goonewardena, Nipuna Ranawaka, Member of Parliament graced the occasion as Special Guests.
Sri Lanka Technological Campus took this opportunity to dedicate this event “Research & Innovation Awards Night – RAIN 2021″to recognize best performing researchers, staff and students, especially those who have shown exceptional performance in terms of research in the past years.
Key achievements as an institute such as publishing more than 80 plus research publications for the year 2020, being ranked as 19th in Sri Lanka in Webometrics rankings, publishing of 2 books and 5 book chapters, SLTC being the recipient of 2 major European Union (EU) research grants as a young university as well as individual performances such as publishing the Highest Impact Factor paper in Engineering & Physics – 2019 were highlighted during this event
Winners of last year’s World Invention & Trade Expo (WINTEX) International Paper Competition held in Indonesia were recognized at the event. Five teams from the School of Engineering at SLTC secured three Gold Awards, two Silver Awards & a Special Awards for Best Application of Technology in the ‘Best of the Best’ category.
In addition, 2 Performance Research Awards and 4 Emerging Young Researcher Awards were handed over to respective winners by Mr. Namal Rajapaksa while Mr. Nipuna Ranawaka MP gave away seven awards: one Certificate of Appreciation for Undergraduate Research Supervision and six Certificates of Recognition for Mentoring & Coaching Undergraduate Research & Innovation.
Speaking at the event, Founder President/CEO Eng. Ranjith Rubasinghe said: “SLTC was started in 2014 with an investment of only USD 1 million, with the single-minded intention of uplifting the quality of private-sector education in Sri Lanka. I am very proud of how the University has grown and expanded since and the many accolades distributed today, some awarded by global bodies, are a testament to how we have manifested the aforesaid intention through the uncompromised quality of education offered. Today SLTC has over 3000 students, 200 distinguished members of faculty & many state-of-the-art facilities that serve to produce highly sought after, employable & world-class graduates who will go on to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
He said that SLTC was the first University to spend over 25% of revenue on research and the only Institution to have a dedicated faculty to engage in research only and facility to liaise with affiliated foreign Universities i.e., Centre for Global Education (CGE).
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth and Sports Min. Namal Rajapaksa noted: “While free education should be protected at all costs, our system should accommodate more private sector players who can deliver to match the global standards in terms of higher education – a lot of the Universities abroad depend heavily on research; to produce competitive & competent graduates who are employable globally, we have to embrace this trend as well. I believe SLTC has so far done a tremendous job in that regard. SLTC is well poised to be not just the No 1 research University in Sri Lanka but also one of the top facilities regionally.”
One of the highlights of the evening was an act by the Sri Lankan indigenous (Veddah) community for which the introduction was provided by music composer, award-wining vocalist & faculty member of SLTC Mr. Nadeeka Guruge. The Awards Night which was carried out adhering to health & safety guidelines was a resounding success.
Sri Lanka Technological Campus is the first research-based, residential, university with strong industry links locally & internationally offering an extensive repertoire including more than 25 degree programs of Ministry of Education & approved degrees.
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.”