Business
Supplies from Pelwatte Dairy steady despite impact of lean season in December
Pelwatte Dairy Industries Limited (PDIL), the Sri Lankan dairy giant, has not slowed down its production or output but is effectively navigating Sri Lankan diary industry’s annual “Lean Season of December-April” sequence.
Susantha Malwatte, the Deputy General Manager of Pelwatte Dairy Industries Limited said: “There is no truth in the social media reports which incorrectly hint at suspension of PDIL production or sudden shortages of Pelwatte products. Pelwatte factories are continuing their production runs as usual. There is only the predictable dip in the output levels due to the annual “December-March” industry output decline. This is the usual Seasonal Lean Period of Dairy Farmers’ output experienced during December-March period. This is not specific only to Pelwatte Dairy but regularly experienced by all Sri Lankan dairy producers and the industry supply chain. From May-June to October, more milk is supplied to the processing market resulting in higher production of milk for that period while December – March is the season of lean period, which is what is taking place at present. Our high milking cycle in May-October dries up by December as the cows lay back for their next cycle of pregnancy and delivery. This pattern of lower dairy output does not stop PDIL from continuing its assistance to the farming community.”
In Y2020/’21, PDIL increased its farmer – base by 16%, supporting over 10,000 dairy farmers and other associated families thus making its own contribution to the national dairy supply chain. In fact, in the in Pandemic hit 2020/’21, PDIL’s farmer pay-outs have increased by a huge 70%. The company’s resilience throughout the uncertain times ensured its production process to function well with no interruptions-even resulting in the doubling of its production output in certain categories, and making 2020/’21 a winning year for PDIL. In the year, PDIL’s Gross Profits almost doubled, growing by a strong 180% in comparison to 2019/’20. In the same period, the Profits Before Tax (PBT) too increased by 148%.
“The good news is that despite we are now amid the Lean Season, PDIL factories are continuing their production runs since we anticipated this situation and planned for it well in advance” adds Deputy General Manager Susantha Malwatte.
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.”