Business
Sri Lanka’s PR practitioners launch industry’s first professional association
Leading corporate and marketing communications professionals came together to formally launch the Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (PRASL), beginning a new chapter in the progression of the practice of Public Relations as an industry in Sri Lanka.
The landmark event at Cinnamon Grand, the Hospitality Partner, was graced by the distinguished presence of Atul Sharma, President of the Public Relations Association of India (PRCAI), flown down for the occasion by the event’s Airline Partner SriLankan Airlines.
Delivering the keynote address, Sharma focused on the multifaceted benefits of an association that brings industry professionals together, leading to the adoption of best practices, the development of codes of ethics and learning opportunities, the emergence of thought leadership and formation of affiliations with like-minded entities that stimulate the growth of the industry.
Outlining the journey ahead for the Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka, its founder President Rezani Aziz said the theme for her term would be ‘Make it Count.’ “At this time, I need not remind everyone that Sri Lanka stands at an unprecedented, unpredictable point in history. Change is the only certainty in our future, as mega disruptions on the local and global stage continue to radiate across society,” she said.
“PRASL will make it count this year,” Aziz pledged. “Our vibrant platform will have enriching opportunities for public relations and public affairs practitioners to learn from interactions with each other as well as with experts in the industry through interactive dialogues, panel discussions and webinars,” she said, disclosing that the Association has planned five forums on different topics for the year.
The office bearers of the first Executive Board of the PRASL for 2023-24 comprise of Rezani Aziz (President), Ashan Kumar (Vice President), Rukshica Perera (Secretary), Mushthak Ahamed (Treasurer) and Druvinka Moraes (Asst. Secretary) and Members Kendall Hopman, Nevindee Amarasinghe, Dominic Perera, Ashan Jayatilaka, Anuk de Silva and Roshani Madarasinghe. Nimal Gunewardena will serve as an advisor to the Executive Board.
Membership in the PRASL is open to PR and corporate communications professionals, press officers from the public sector, academics teaching the subject, and graduates of PR, marketing, and communications, who are currently engaged in PR practice or teaching. The Association has three categories of members, Professional, Associate and Graduate.
Marking a history of over 30 years, the practice of public relations as a profession in Sri Lanka was established in the early ’90s by a few agencies and practitioners. These pioneers embraced the discipline of reputation management and initially focused on media relations and consulting services for corporate communications. Over time, the industry expanded its offerings, welcoming international expertise and venturing into areas such as advocacy, issues and crisis management, change management, investor and community relations, event management, marketing, and digital PR.
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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