Business
‘South Asia’s highest sky bridge’
Capitol TwinPeaks, the LKR 25 billion flagship mixed-development project by the Sanken group’s Capitol Developers and Sanken Construction, located on the Beira lakefront in Colombo 2, recently began the installation of their 50th level sky bridge.
Following the announcement in early 2019 for plans to set the record for South Asia’s highest sky-bridge, the project which is set for completion and handover by end June 2021 began the installation of the sky bridge on October 29 2020, despite the second COVID-19 lockdown which continued to affect many of Sri Lanka’s industries.
Commenting Managing Director, Capitol Developers – Rohana Wannigama noted “With Capitol TwinPeaks being a notable landmark amidst landmarks, the sky bridge has been a much anticipated design and construction feature of the project. The sky bridge is yet another iconic moment in Sri Lanka’s history as it will be the highest in South Asia – yet again affirming Capitol TwinPeaks and Colombo as the ultimate location for those seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle. This milestone signifies a historic moment in the field of architecture and engineering for our nation as the sky bridge is an open glass viewing point.”
Constructed at 174.2 metres (572 feet) above ground level, the remarkable aerial feat of engineering is part of the residential project, to link the 50-storey free-standing twin towers by a 30 foot (4.2 metre) long sky bridge.
Concluding, Mr Wannigama noted “As we continue at full speed towards completion of the entire project by end June 2021, this significant milestone – even amidst a slow down in many industries and nations, worldwide – is yet another signifier of Sanken’s drive and capability to deliver on time, in full. This sky bridge not only connects both towers at the top, allowing residents access to the exclusive facilities on the 50th floor, but is also featured as one of the project’s greatest engineering challenges”.
Under Sanken Construction, indepth research and testing was conducted to ensure safety of the sky bridge during high wind speeds and even earthquakes. Options such as elastomeric bearings, slide bearings and friction pendulum seismic isolation bearings for the sky bridge connectors were considered and tested, wherein customised guided slide bearings were selected as the most suitable bearing type for the connection between the skybridge and the towers. The design accommodates safe movement for both those on the bridge as well as those within the building during any turbulence.
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.”