Business
Sri Lanka’s post-harvest losses in agriculture sector exceeding Rs. 55 billion –
Minister of Plantation Industries
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Sri Lanka’s post-harvest losses in the agriculture sector amount to more than Rs 55 billion, which issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible, Minister of Plantation Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said.
“Since the whole world is heading towards a major food crisis, including Sri Lanka, post- harvest loss is an issue the government has been considering in a big way and many proposals are underway to address this issue, Pathirana said at the opening day of ‘Pro Food, Pro Pack & Ag-biz 2022’, Sri Lanka’s only comprehensive food, agriculture and packaging exhibition, launched at the BMICH recently.
This year’s event was the 19th consecutive such exhibition. The exhibition which ran for three days ended on November 19.
The event was organized by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association together with Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS). The exhibition was supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Plantation Industries.
Pathirana added: “The government is now taking a special interest in the growth of the export and manufacturing sectors. But post-harvest loss is also a subject which has been emphasized together with damage of crops due to wild animals, which also amounts to Rs 55 billion.
“This event which has witnessed an evolutionary increase over the decades will be held under the theme “Farm to the Fork”, denoting the entire chain of the food industry, which includes and revolves around farms, to processing, packaging, transport and finally consumption.
“The exhibition could not be held for the past two years due to the global pandemic. But now, with the re-launching of events in Sri Lanka, this exhibition has proved a sell-out. The organizers had been planning on having a grand show.”
Chairman, Agri Business Council Mario de Alwis said the exhibition and consumer fair, held over three days, will attract a large audience from all walks of the country.
“The event is a platform to interact with prospective buyers and also helps to understand the new
technology that is being used for the sector. Moreover, the event will feature all facets of the food and beverage industry and will include intricate details and meticulous processes that are required to make food products available to the consumer, he said.
Observers added: ‘The event is renowned for providing a unique and comprehensive platform for the discovery and introduction of food processing, engineering and packaging services, among a host of other benefits for both visitors and the stall holders.
‘The first pavilion was from the largest global player in the region, India. Over 50 companies from India participated in this year’s event, promoted by The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). The second pavilion is by the Export Development Board (EDB).
‘The “National Packaging Pavilion ” at the exhibition gives SMEs and small-time businesses the tools and know- how on value-added packaging services.
‘The Ministry of Industries sponsored the SME and micro sector entities’ pavilion within the main
event. The organizing committee had taken a very good initiative by providing a special pavilion for university students to display their innovations as well.
‘A highlight at this year’s event was the Street Food Fiesta and Cooking Studio.
The event has been earmarked as ‘a must attend’ throughout the entirety of its existence.’
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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