Business
Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council calls on High Commissioner of Pakistan
The President S. Deivanayagam and committee members of Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, called on Maj. Gen (R) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M), the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka.
The High Commissioner was briefed on various activities and initiatives being planned by the Business Council in order to promote trade and investment opportunities between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In this regard, a delegation visit is being planned in early March 2023 by the business council to explore business opportunities with counterparts in Pakistan.
A detailed discussion was held to strategize a way forward to optimize bilateral trade, within the context of current economic scenario. The Business Council appreciated the timely and expeditious actions taken by the Government of Pakistan to facilitate imports from Sri Lanka, despite current challenges. The High Commissioner underscored that such challenges must be viewed as a catalyst for capitalizing on valuable opportunities and that Pakistan would continue to prioritize its relations with Sri Lanka in all facets of cooperation.
The High Commissioner further highlighted that Sri Lanka is considered as a very important regional partner with which Pakistan would like to further enhance its trade, business, and economic relations. To this end, he apprised that business visa applications from Sri Lanka are being processed on priority within 24-48 hours by the High Commission, subject to fulfillment of requirements.
Ms. Asmma Kamal, Trade & Investment Attaché of the Pakistan High Commission, briefed the participants regarding the various high potential sector-specific trade exhibitions being organized in Pakistan by Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
She invited Sri Lankan importers, exporters, manufacturers, buying houses and businesses from various sectors to participate in the upcoming four mega trade exhibitions being organized in Pakistan, including Engineering & Healthcare Show (23rd – 25th February 2023 in Lahore), Tech Spring Pakistan for ICT Sector (16-18th March 2023 in Lahore), International Food & Agriculture Exhibition (4-6th May 2023 in Karachi) and the 4th Edition of the International Textile Exhibition known as TeXpo (26-28th May 2023 in Karachi).
The High Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to support the leadership and members of the Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council in all possible manner and to continue working closely to promote bilateral trade, joint ventures and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
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.”