Business
Sri Lanka strengthening its strategy and roadmap for MICE industry
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) has planned a series of educational seminars, workshops to create awareness among industry members, diplomats, airlines, associations, chambers, and academics to promote Sri Lanka as a venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and events (MICE) activities.
The second chairperson’s forum on MICE was held on 18 August 2021 as a fully virtual event. The event was organised by SLCB in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition & Event Organisers (SLAPCEO).
SLCB, a state institute under the Ministry of Tourism is tasked with promoting Sri Lanka as a venue for MICE activities.
The forum titled “Role of Business Chambers and Associations to develop MICE business in Sri Lanka”, focused to create awareness among participating organizations to promote Sri Lanka as a MICE destination to build relationships to bid for regional and international MICE events, and to obtain support to reach regional and international networks of business chambers and associations to attract events to Sri Lanka
Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism educated the audience on how to re-discover Sri Lanka for MICE business events. Mrs. Fernando further mentioned that MICE is the voice of Sri Lanka as it has a tremendous potential to bring in foreign exchange to the country. She requested the industry members to join hands with the associations and the business chambers in Sri Lanka to tap the market and attraxt MICE events to Sri Lanka.
This forum also included an experience sharing session on “Bidding and Winning a World Congress to Sri Lanka” conducted by Dr. Suresh Shanmuganathan, past president, Sri Lanka Dental Association and Conference Chair, 42nd Asia Pacific Dental Congress.
Manjula De Silva – Secretary General and CEO of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce spoke on how chambers could assist to attract business events to Sri Lanka.
Imran Hassan, President of SLAPCEO explained how SLAPCEO members can support Business Chambers and Associations to attract more MICE business to Sri Lanka in partnership with Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Sri Lanka Tourism. National Carrier.
SriLankan airlines was represented by Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution. He informed the audience about the assistance SriLankan Airlines could offer from bidding and lobbying stages to delegates arriving in Sri Lanka to take part in the events.
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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