Business
Sri Lankan apparel exporters seek collaboration to realise industry’s potential
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has risen to the challenges posed by the pandemic and the sector can contribute further to the country’s economy, provided that all stakeholders collaborate to address critical constraints, apparel exporters point out.
These views were expressed at the recent 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA), the pioneer association representing the country’s apparel exporters.
Apparel exporters highlighted the need for COVID-19 vaccine boosters for staff, addressing domestic macroeconomic constraints – particularly the lack of foreign exchange – and strengthening export market access, for the industry to realize its potential.
At the event, SLAEA’s Executive Committee expressed appreciation of the role played by health and other public authorities in vaccinating the apparel industry’s 350,000 workforce. However, apparel exporters emphasised the need to secure COVID-19 boosters for employees of the sector, given that the six-month window since the vaccinations were rolled out is fast approaching.
In addition, apparel exporters discussed the vital importance of retaining the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Plus trade concessions to the European Union as well as the United Kingdom. It was noted that the country needs to strengthen access to other key and emerging export markets.
“The apparel industry’s contribution to the Sri Lankan economy remains unparalleled, a fact duly recognized by the Government,” Chairman of SLAEA’s Executive Committee for 2021/22, Aroon Hirdaramani said. “However, we are now facing significant issues in the context of the country’s foreign reserve shortages and overall economic issues. Together with our apex body – the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) – we are working with the authorities on solutions that can continue the growth witnessed from 2021 onwards, with minimal disruption.”
The SLAEA Chairman also commended and appreciated the contribution of the Executive Committee and the members of the association. Under the Executive Committee’s leadership, overcoming pandemic-induced disruptions, SLAEA undertook several key initiatives. These include the key role played by the association and its individual members in collaborating with the authorities on worker safety and vaccinations, as well as the rebranding of the SLAEA.
In 2020, as part of its rebranding, the SLAEA rolled out a new logo, website and a video promoting the industry, the culmination of more than a year-long activity performed diligently by the association’s branding committee. SLAEA is seeking to further leverage digital tools to strengthen the positive positioning of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, to assist in increasing its market share.
The Executive Committee of the SLAEA for 2021/22 comprises; Chairman – Aroon Hirdaramani (Director – Hirdaramani Group), Deputy Chairman – Indika Liyanahewage (CEO – Eskimo Fashions Knitwear), Rehan Lakhany – Immediate Past Chairman (Chairman – Original Apparel) and Hon. Treasurer – Jeevith Senaratne (Senior Manager Business Analysis – Star Garments).
About SLAEA
Founded in 1982, the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association is the pioneer association for the apparel exporters industry in Sri Lanka. It has a membership of 72 apparel manufacturers in the country, who account for over 70% of the country’s apparel exports. The members of SLAEA envisions transforming Sri Lanka to the number one apparel sourcing destination globally.
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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