Business
Standard Chartered showcases Sri Lanka’s potential via China – Sri Lanka Virtual Investor Forum
Standard Chartered Sri Lanka together with Standard Chartered China recently organised the ‘Showcase Sri Lanka: 2021 China – Sri Lanka Virtual Investor Forum’ to highlight the partnership potential between the two countries and the emerging strategic opportunities in a shifting global landscape. This webinar was the first initiative undertaken through the partnership between Standard Chartered Sri Lanka and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) to promote Sri Lanka as a preferred investment destination and work together to bring targeted Chinese investments into the country.
Setting the background for beneficial investments in Sri Lanka, Dr. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lanka Ambassador for the Republic of China said, “Sri Lanka has always had a close and warm relationship with China. We recently concluded the bilateral investment protection agreement to add an additional layer of security for Chinese investors as well as implemented a double taxation agreement to ensure that investors will not have to pay taxes in either country. Any Chinese investor coming into Sri Lanka should also note that we have signed free-trade agreements with India, Pakistan and Singapore and that we are well connected to Australia, South East Asia, Middle East and Africa by sea with more than 35,000 vessels sailing past the country annually.”
Emphasising on the timeliness of the forum was keynote speaker, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, State Minister of Finance, Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms. “There is no better way of protecting investors than giving them the signal that Sri Lanka will take the necessary steps to honour our commitments. Even during the pandemic, Sri Lanka passed the Colombo Port City commission law, which sets the bedrock for the value addition that would take place in our business ventures and business activities with the rest of the world. My invitation to investors from China comes with the reassurance that we will be providing them with new opportunities, supported by regulatory framework, to take their investments to a level that can really make projects very feasible here in Sri Lanka.”
Sanjaya Mohottala, Chairman, Board of Investment Sri Lanka, delivered a presentation to showcase how Chinese investors can take advantage of the diverse opportunities in Sri Lanka across sectors such as manufacturing – specifically in apparel and pharmaceuticals, ICT, tourism, agri and food processing and infrastructure. He said, “Sri Lanka is ranked one of the most peaceful countries in South Asia. With its progressive and investor-friendly laws, backed by a constitution that protects investors, it becomes a low-risk environment for anyone looking to invest in the country. As the apex agency for promoting and facilitating foreign direct investments in Sri Lanka, BOI will provide investors with end-to-end facilitation, and help them set up their business in Sri Lanka in the shortest possible time.”
(Standard Chartered)
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.”
