Business
‘Sri Lanka well positioned to become leading trade and maritime hub in Asia’
‘Sri Lanka is a gateway to almost 3 billion people in South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific and is located close to some of the busiest trading routes in the world. The country is therefore well positioned to become a leading trade and maritime hub in Asia, ambassador of Norway to Sri Lanka Trine Joranli Eskedal said.
The ambassador was addressing the 19th AGM of the Sri Lanka – NORDIC Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 21 as Chief Guest.
At the meeting Prasath Mahalingam of 99X Technology Limited was elected unanimously as the president of the Council.
The ambassador noted that the promotion of business cooperation between Norway and Sri Lanka, including increased trade and investment, is one of her key priorities.
The ambassador added – ‘The Sri Lankan – Norwegian bilateral relationship has withstood the test of time and is stronger today because it has always been based on mutual respect and cooperation. On this occasion, I want to make special mention of the ‘Match-Making Programme’ funded by NORAD, and very successfully implemented by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, a few years ago. This project aimed at encouraging Norwegian businesses to invest and initiate commercial co-operation with Sri Lankan partners. Over a 15-year period, it mobilised interest amongst 330 Norwegian SMEs in commercial operations with and in Sri Lanka. This programme had its roots in the embassy support for the Hambantota Integrated Rural Development programme carried out from 1979-1999. ‘Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, which is managed by the Norwegian Central Bank, had a total of USD 114 million investments in Sri Lankan stocks at the end of 2019, investing in 20 Sri Lankan companies.
The ambassador further noted that at a time when traditional development co-operation is on the decline, increasing trade and commercial co-operation will emerge as prime areas of interaction between Norway and Sri Lanka. There are many new opportunities for Sri Lanka to expand trade and investment by identifying new niche markets and products. She concluded by saying that the Royal Norwegian Embassy looked forward to continuing the partnership with the NORDIC Business Council and supporting Sri Lanka on its development journey.
The outgoing president, Merrick Gooneratne appreciated the support extended to local exporters through the ‘Sri Lanka – Norway Match – Making Programme,’ managed successfully by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and requested Norway’s support to initiate similar programmes for further developing trade and investment between Sri Lanka and the NORDIC region.
Prasath Mahalingam, 99X Technology Ltd. was elected president of the Council, and Jehan Perinpanayagam, of Infomate (Pvt) Ltd., and Andre Fernando, of MAC Holdings (Pvt) Limited were elected Vice Presidents. The Committee members representing Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd., Indika Abeykoon, Alpha Industries (Pvt) Ltd., Sarath Weerasuriya, Columbus Tours (Pvt) Ltd., Bobby J. Hansen, John Keells IT Ousman Anthony and Wilhelmsen Meridian Navigation Limited, Maleena Awn, were elected to serve for the period 2020 – 2021.
The Bilateral Business Councils, an integral part of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, play a vital role in the promotion of international business. The main activity of the Councils is expansion of business between Sri Lanka and the partner country. The Ceylon Chamber operates 20 Bilateral Business Councils with the prime objectives of promoting of trade and investment, joint ventures, services including promotion of tourism between Sri Lanka and the respective countries. The first Business Council, Sri Lanka – Japan Business Co-Operation Committee was formed in 1979. Since then, 19 more Business Councils were formed to fulfill the primary objectives.
The Sri Lanka – NORDIC Business Council was inaugurated in 2001 to promote trade, tourism investment and services between Sri Lanka and Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden and vice versa. The Sri Lanka – NORDIC Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce continues to act as the vital link between Sri Lanka and the partner countries, to develop new initiatives and areas of cooperation in terms of trade, tourism and investment. The Business Council membership comprise a wide spectrum of companies engaged in infrastructure, logistics and services, financial services, tourism and leisure, import and export trading, manufacturing, ICT and telecommunication.
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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