Business
Standard operating procedure for local assembly of vehicles and component manufacturing to be launched
The Ministry of Industries spearheaded by . Wimal Weerawansa is soon to launch the standard operating procedure (SOP) for local assembly of vehicles and automotive component manufacturing to encourage world renowned brands to locally assemble vehicles.
Dimantha Jayawardena, president of the Sri Lanka Automotive Component Manufacturers’ Association said that the new SOP has been prepared in keeping with the highest standards around the world. “This SOP has been prepared by the Policy Development Division of the Ministry of Industries in close collaboration with Ministry of Finance, Sri Lanka Customs, Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Sri Lanka Automobile assemblers and Automobile Component Manufacturers. With the launch of the SOP it will become mandatory that vehicle assembly comply to the SOP and increase value addition for locally manufactured vehicles.
The SOP includes guidelines and standards for registration at the Department of Motor Traffic, BOI, Sri Lanka Customs and the Ministry of Industries and for the local assembly of vehicles.
It has also specified the necessary regulations for standardization of the assembling and manufacturing process, the automobiles and components, and the establishment of the assessment facilities. It also has guidelines for the exportation of assembled and manufactured vehicles and the recommended exemptions of excise duties.
Jayawardena also said, “The SOP clearly states that it is vital that the sector should be provided with the opportunity to expand itself in the domestic market at the first stage and in order to achieve this objective, there should be a substantial level of investment in the domestically value-added automobile manufacturing/assembly industry, which could create the demand for locally manufactured components increasing their quality and to achieve internationally renowned standards.
“This SOP includes all regulations, procedures and requirements related to different aspects of the industry, from the registration of an industry to the safety and quality standards applicable to the same and is subject to review and revision every five years. Prospective local assemblers should be given the flexibility during the first two years to invest and start operations and adhere to the SOP guidelines within a 2-year time-frame.”
We expect more than 20,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs to be created within the next 2 – 3 years. Currently SLACMA is working with the Ministry of Skills and Development together with NAITA and German Tech to absorb these students to the local assemblies.
The advantage of local manufacturing of automobiles allow technology transformation and technical training under some of the world’s best manufacturing standards such as Just In Time, 5S, KAISEN, LEAN Manufacturing, IATF 16949 and Six SIGMA standards. This will help our students to apply these manufacturing methods in other manufacturing industries.
“I must commend His Excellency the President for his vision of adding value to Sri Lankan products and services and in the process greatly enhancing the skill level of the local workforce.” He added.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
