Business
SriLankan Airlines adhering to all measures as per IATA’s findings on safety of air travel
SriLankan Airlines yesterday elaborated on the efficacy of the health and safety measures that are put in place throughout its passenger journey with the intention of ensuring maximum safety and wellbeing for its valued passengers and crew alike.
In the onset, International Air Transportation ( IATA) in a communique revealed “The risk of contracting COVID-19 onboard an aircraft to be very low,” SriLankan Airlines said.
“Ever since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Airline has been operating under the most stringent health and safety regulatory measures stipulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and has been in full adherence with the respective aviation authorities of the countries that it operates to.”
“The Airline also took a progressive measure in vaccinating its workforce on priority basis, staying ahead of the timelines of the nation-wide vaccination programme. Accordingly, the Airline commenced its staff vaccination process as early as in February 2021 and has fully inoculated more than 4,500 employees including key frontline and operational staff representing Flight and Cabin Crew, Airport Services, Engineering, Security, Ticket Office and Sales Staff, and other second-layer operational staff who are directly exposed to the virus. Currently, 95% of cabin and flight crew and around 90% of the operational and other staff are vaccinated with recommend doses.”
“SriLankan Airlines’ fleet undergoes deep sanitation before each journey and is equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. IATA further states that “Cabin air consists of half fresh air and half High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-filtered air, which remove 99.993% of bacteria and viruses. HEPA filters are those also used in hospital operating theatres.”
“Additionally, from each point of operation across its network including Colombo, it is mandatory for all passengers to be in possession of a negative PCR or antigen test before departure and temperature screening takes place at multiple points leading to boarding, in order to ensure maximum safety. The Airline has also restricted the availability of shareable items onboard to prevent any form of possible contamination.”
“Wearing face masks is mandatory right through the journey and the cabin crew are attired in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) which is inclusive head covers, face shields, face masks, gown, gloves and shoe covers. IATA’s published study dated August 5-6,2021 titled ‘Air Travel, Public Health Measures and Risk in the Context of COVID 19’ cites, “Universal wearing of face coverings appears to be an effective protection against spread via aerosols [Cheng].”
“However, certain globally acclaimed airlines have already opted for the cabin crew to be only wearing face masks and gloves, unless otherwise required by a regulatory authority.”
SriLankan Airlines’ continuous efforts to ensure health and safety were commended with the highest attainable ‘ Diamond’ status by the APEX Health and Safety Audit powered by SimplyFlying, thus making the National Carrier the first airline in South Asia to attain the status and one of the 15 global airlines currently belonging to the esteemed tier.
The Airline continues to follow strict precautions in order to safeguard health and wellbeing of its valued passengers and crew during every journey,”SriLankan Airlines said.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”