Business
‘Sri Lanka@100’ conducts first capacity-building seminar in Kegalle
Sri Lanka@100, a private sector-led initiative focused on the growth of mid-market enterprises – funded by the U.S. government’s International development Agency, USAID, and administered by Stax – was launched in September. The platform, designed to help mid-market companies island wide get better access to high-caliber business advisory services, conducted its first capacity building event in Kegalle on September 29 in conjunction with the Kegalle Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
The seminar emphasized the need for selecting appropriate growth options and executing them with focus. A senior consultant at Stax, Thivanka Bandara, spoke at length about the pitfalls of diversifying too quickly and too broadly, without the necessary focus. The seminar concluded with discussions on a systematic framework for growth, and successful examples of diversification through focus.
Welcoming representatives from over 40 leading businesses in the area, the president of the Kegalle Chamber of Commerce, Tissa Ranatunga, emphasized the importance of the platform’s aim to make Sri Lanka a high-income country, adding he hoped the businesses there would be contributors to making that vision a reality. This sentiment was echoed by Platform Co-Founder, Dr. Kumudu Gunasekera, who said, “Development can come in many forms. We don’t have to only undertake massive ‘hard development’ projects like building dams or roads. Building global brands and businesses that can help Sri Lanka shine—that kind of intangible development is also crucial. You can all help make that happen.”
Delivering the keynote address, minister Balasuriya pointed to several examples of local companies that have been successful in this manner at regional and global level. While acknowledging that state policies also play an important role in supporting such companies to grow, he praised the Sri Lanka@100 Platform for promoting private sector-led growth. “While the government is of course responsible for the well-being of all citizens, we must move away from this mindset of expecting the public sector to provide more and more jobs. We will only be able to rejuvenate our economy if we have an extremely strong private sector, because even in challenging times such as now, there are still many pockets of opportunities for growth that private entrepreneurs are capitalizing on.”
Sri Lanka@100 is accepting applications from mid-sized firms seeking advisory support for rapid growth. The eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines are listed on the SL@100 website (www.srilanka100.lk) and its social media platforms.
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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