Business
Sysco LABS Fosters the Next Generation of Future-Ready Sri Lankan Tech Talent
‘Project Summit’ Program’s first batch of budding engineers completes their training
Sysco LABS Sri Lanka’s ‘Project Summit’ program recently celebrated the completion of training of its first batch of engineers. ‘Project Summit’ was launched in May this year to inspire and develop a new generation of future-ready engineers who can excel in the world of innovation and emerging tech. Batch 1 comprised undergraduates and graduates who were all mentored by senior talent at Sysco LABS to increase their technical knowledge and explore new technologies.
The 6-month program acts as a platform that facilitates accelerated growth for recruits straight from university, enabling them to execute new tech concepts classified under ‘4th industrial revolution tech’ (4IR). During the training, participants received exposure and mentorship on 4IR concepts such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Virtual Reality and the Internet of Things. They were also familiarized with business domain knowledge, project management, best industry practices and processes to develop the right skills.
During their training, participants focused on 4IR technologies, including AI, augmented reality and blockchain, that could transform the food services sector. Some unique solutions included AI-based warehouse waste management solutions, food freshness analyzers, demand forecasting systems, chatbots, blockchain-based loyalty reward systems and interactive browsing on E-commerce platforms using augmented reality. To complete the program, participants had to not just submit new concepts, but instead, they had to work with different technologies to create minimum viable products of their ideas – leading them to explore both the theoretical and practical application aspects of their proposed solutions.
Commenting on Project Summit, Nishantha Hettiarachchi, Director – Enterprise and Architecture at Sysco LABS, said: “Project Summit fosters a new generation of engineers ready to meet the demands of a tech-driven world. It is built to showcase Sri Lanka’s ingenuity and how prepared we are as a nation to disrupt the future. Project Summit was designed to be a launch pad for fresh graduates to execute the new technologies they studied about in universities, in a real-world, working environment”.
“The brilliant young minds in the first batch have made great progress and we look forward to continuing this initiative to fast-track young engineers by equipping them with the skills and experience required to excel in the tech industry. While helping to encourage a culture of learning, innovation and progress within the company, I also believe that by completing this program, our new associates are ready to deliver on our organization’s purpose of connecting the world to share food and care for another.”
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.”
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