Business
Spa Ceylon’s immersive Butterfly Paradise takes flight
Spa Ceylon, proudly unveiled a groundbreaking initiative – Sri Lanka’s first-ever immersive multi-sensory experience, “Butterfly Paradise,” at One Galle Face Mall. Coinciding with the Butterfly Avurudu Gallery from April 5th to 7th, 2024, this visionary project aimed to immerse visitors in the captivating world of butterflies while championing butterfly conservation.
Sri Lanka with a rich biodiversity, is home to over 248 species of exotic butterflies, with over 76 facing extinction.
Recognizing the urgency of conservation, Spa Ceylon took action from as early as 2017 partnering up with the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society. Over the years they created a Butterfly reserve in Wasgamuwa, which managed to naturally invite over 52 species, including 8 endemic butterflies to make their settlements around the reserves. This initiative was a continuation of that effort, and they are currently working together to build butterfly gardens in Weheragala forest reserves through habitat enrichment and restoration. They aim to build advocacy on increasing local knowledge of butterflies and the important ecological role of butterflies especially as pollinators that benefit farming communities.
In advocating such conservation efforts, the immersive butterfly experience marked a first-of-its-kind endeavor in Sri Lanka. Combining relaxation and education, guests were treated with a multi-sensory revitalizing journey with the wellness attributes of Spa Ceylon’s De-Stress range resulting in a harmonizing experience along with using cutting-edge digital technology like augmented reality to convey the message and the story. The attendees were immersed in an unforgettable experience that heightened their senses and deepened their understanding of butterfly conservation.
Speaking at the event, Spa Ceylon Co-founder Shiwantha Dias said “As an Ayurveda brand, we believe that ‘balance’ is of utmost importance to the wellness of our planet and its people, this immersive experience isn’t just a representation of the butterfly conservation initiative by Spa Ceylon thus far; it also symbolizes our overall commitment to nature conservation, moving forward.”
Shalin Balasuriya, Co-founder of Spa Ceylon also shared his thoughts: “Our brand’s dedication to conservation drives us to continually innovate to create impactful engagement with our community. This immersive experience will not just promote conservation but help showcase Sri Lanka’s status as a butterfly paradise which will be a message we take from Sri Lanka to the world through Spa Ceylon’s global presence.”
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.”