Business
Sri Lanka unveils its first-ever locally assembled single cab with more than 30% local value additions
Mahindra & Mahindra with Ideal Motors introduces new Bolero City Pik-Up
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Marking a most important tech milestone in the Sri Lankan automotive manufacturing industry, Mahindra & Mahindra of India and Ideal Motors of Sri Lanka yesterday unveiled the new Bolero City Pik-Up, the first-ever single cab pickup assembled in Sri Lanka, with more than 30% local value additions.
The vehicle has been in production at Mahindra Ideal Lanka’s automotive assembly plant at Welipenna and the first batch of vehicles was delivered to a group of customers at an event held at the Waters Edge, Battaramulla yesterday.
Solidifying the ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ stance through the locally assembled vehicle range, the all-new Bolero City Pik-Up is the only 1.4 ton pick up currently available in the country, sources of the two companies told the media.
“With the gradual opening of the market amidst the pandemic, the commercial vehicle category is witnessing an increase in demand and we are boosting our production capacity at the Sri Lankan plant to meet the market demand for single cab pick-ups,” Veejay Nakra, CEO, Automotive Division”, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) Ltd., said.
“Sri Lanka is one of Mahindra’s most important overseas markets. Mahindra has been present in the country for more than 25 years with a robust automotive and farm portfolio. The brand has been holding a leadership position for over 10 years in the pickup category. This success story was possible because we were able to choose the right partner in Ideal Motors Sri Lanka for our thriving collaboration,” he said.
“We have been scaling up our local presence by expanding the product range through the ‘Make in Sri Lanka’ initiative. With the addition of the Bolero City Pik-Up to our portfolio, we will further reinforce our leadership in this category. I am delighted to announce the introduction of the first locally assembled pickup in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Nalin Welgama, Founder and Chairman, Ideal Motors said, “Ideal Motors and Mahindra have been working together for a decade to deliver value to our customers. Our small commercial vehicle range has played a pivotal role in the economic development of the country over the last many years. This new Bolero City Pik-up will open many opportunities for small and medium entrepreneurs in the country. We believe in giving the best customer experience through our islandwide network.”
“With easy maneuverability, big cargo box and reliable high-power engine, the new Bolero City Pik-Up has been designed for urban and rural applications. This pick-up will offer class- leading cargo capacity and payload in the category, thus enhancing the earning potential for its owners. This will also be supported by a class-leading extended warranty of 36 months/ 100,000 km. Customers are assured to earn more profit and have complete peace of mind,” he said.
The Bolero City Pik-Up comes with a launch price of Rs. 3.075 million onwards.
Responding to a question on the price, Nalin Welgama said that the price of the new pickup was determined after carefully considering the country’s exchange rate scenario, in order to ensure the vehicle’s price stability over a substantial period of time.
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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