Business
SriLankan Catering looking at providing 25,000 meals per day as ‘SriLankan Flavours’ takes off
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
CEO, SriLankan Catering Ltd. Mangala Wijesekera said that with the picking- up of the tourism industry next year and beyond, they could provide meals for all airlines with full capacity, which capability now stood at below the total capacity.
“We are looking at increasing the number of flights into the country to cater to the full capacity of 25000 meals per day. We now provide only 13000 meals for various airlines which land in Sri Lankan airports, Wijesekera told the media recently during a familiarization tour of the Bandaranaike International Airport premises. The aim of the tour was also to announce that SriLankan Airlines had unveiled a delectable new range of authentically Sri Lankan dishes for its menu under the theme, ‘SriLankan Flavours.’
Wijesekera added: “We have a well- trained catering culinary staff who could cater to any airline and new introductions to the Sri Lankan meal option will be available onboard SriLankan’s long haul and medium haul flights and at the signature Business Class lounges of the airline at Bandaranaike International Airport.
“The reinvented meals aim to showcase Sri Lankan food to the global traveler by emphasizing the nutritional and medicinal benefits of the ingredients that go into the meals, based on culinary traditions passed down through generations.
“We are excited to introduce these additions which are certain to stimulate all five senses, to our inflight cuisine as an expression of the Sri Lankan heritage. Additionally, we are helping to promote and preserve the culinary culture of Sri Lanka by offering traditional delicacies of the island to a global audience of travelers.”
Manager, Product Development Maria Sathasivam said the fascinating lineup of new dishes include main meals, such as egg roti with Paraw fish curry and crumb fried prawns; ‘Dhunthel rice’ with traditional curries; Kuruluthuda heirloom rice served with chicken pepper curry and local vegetables; pittu with kirihodi, chickpea curry and lunu miris and Lamprais.
“Complementing these uniquely Sri Lankan mains were equally delicious desserts like Lavariya and curd with Waraka compote. Immunity boosting beverages, such as king coconut with coconut pulp; local cucumber and honey and pineapple and aloe vera are also part of the menu.
“The new meal options are replete with fibre, minerals and healing properties ensuing from champion ingredients that are locally sourced, such as, Kurakkan, ginger, cinnamon, curry leaves, cloves and Kuruluthuda, an heirloom rice variety of Sri Lanka.
“The ingredients are blended to enhance the inherent flavours, textures and wellness aspects that define the Sri Lankan culinary experience using trusted, centuries-old native recipes and cookingmethods. Therefore, each item is not just flavourful, but packed with nutritional value, thus appealing to the health-conscious, contemporary traveler.
“The SriLankan Flavours campaign is just one of many initiatives of the airline aiming to deliver a superior and quintessentially Sri Lankan inflight experience for its customers. Sri Lankan cuisine in particular has been a part of the fabric of SriLankan Airlines’ inflight products since the beginning, with many frequent flyers looking forward to the airline’s signature Sri Lankan dishes when they travel. Passengers could always expect to see a Sri Lankan meal option on their inflight menu.
“While SriLankan continues to introduce various enhancements to its onboard service, the range of authentic Sri Lankan meal options is also set to expand with time. Ultimately, the Airline’s hope is to delight its loyal customers by offering an experience that is innately Sri Lankan, yet globally superior.”
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.”