Business
Social Protection Awareness sessions conducted for the safety of children in Sri Lanka
Amidst a growing need for robust measures concerning the protection of children in Sri Lanka, there are many interventions in place to create awareness and reach communities in rural areas. These interventions take various forms and offer support, awareness and guidance to children in vulnerable communities.
According to The National Child Protection Agency (NCPA) over 11,000 cases of child abuse ranging from cruelty and neglect to sexual violence were reported in 2021. Creating awareness of the need to be safe in the community has been a priority for the children in underprivileged communities.
A Social Protection Awareness Initiative, a joint project between LEADS, an agency dedicated to creating safer spaces for children, and RYTHM Foundation, the social impact initiative of the Hong Kong headquartered QI Group, has been introduced towards minimizing the risk of children being exposed to child abuse. This initiative has been undertaken to provide support for children in vulnerable communities in the District of Mullaitivu in eastern Sri Lanka.
The project covers multiple areas such as providing shelter, livelihood support and skills training to low-income households, encouraging them to overcome poverty. This sustainable community development project also addresses the social protection of children to minimize their risk of abuse, neglect, and the violation of their rights.
One such measure is an active classroom session conducted to encourage children to swiftly run away from any form of abuse. Teachers trained in creating awareness among pre-school children, are able to deliver engaging and active programmes that show the children how they must walk away from any sign of abuse. The training is provided by the two organizations to empower the community to rise above its high level of poverty and lack of opportunities.
The teacher training programmes are held with the support of the Zonal Education Department; LEADS has developed and distributed a tool kit for the teachers, comprising of flash cards that used pictures to depict examples of ‘good touch’ and bad ‘touch’ to help facilitate learning and understanding of boundaries for the safety of each child. The programme also involves parent participation and engaging with the parents to understand the issue and also creates awareness on how, if any abuse is detected, it must be addressed in the correct manner.
Ravina, a young teacher who took part in the training and shared it with her pre-school students, is enthusiastic about the project. “I learned many things, including child protection laws.
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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