Business
Taiwan seeing Sri Lanka as a ‘well-suited location” for its investors
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Sri Lanka is a well suited location for Taiwan’s labor-intensive manufacturers to invest in and set up factories, which will create a large number of employment opportunities for the country, Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Chennai Ben Wang said.
“I know that Sri Lanka has an excellent location, a good port and abundant manpower for Taiwan business persons to invest in. In addition to that Sri Lanka can also carry out tourism and labor cooperation projects with Taiwan, Wang said at the 111th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Colombo recently.
Wand added: “Taiwanese businessmen have also realized a harsh reality in not relying too much on a single country or market and have increasingly sought alternative production and manufacturing bases outside of China or Vietnam.
“As far as I knew, there have already been more than 1200 Taiwanese companies moving out from China and bringing about US$ 60 billion back to Taiwan.
“Therefore, the world economic center has gradually shifted to South Asia and Sri Lanka and India are both key countries in Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. How can we miss this great opportunity to work and cooperate?
“It is the right time to implement the policy which will further help both countries create mutually beneficial results and especially help Sri Lanka effectively solve its financial problems.
“There has been a lack of exchange activity, mutual understanding and communication channels between Taiwan and Sri Lank for a long time. Sri Lanka, a Non-aligned country, has its own unique diplomatic traditions.
“I can make a foregone conclusion that it is very difficult for both sides to actively promote cooperation in the short term. Anyway, from a long-term perspective, Taiwan and Sri Lanka should continue to try to communicate and exchange, benefits from which will really improve the lives of Sri Lankan people.
“Sri Lanka government should voluntarily abolish “Identification Declaration for Visa Purpose” and it is a decades-long discriminatory treatment against Taiwan citizens who facet upon entering Sri Lanka.
“I am convinced that such abolishment will be deemed as a friendly gesture to the Taiwan government and thus will help pave the way for boosting various exchanges and attracting more tourists and investors from Taiwan, especially in the post-pandemic era.
“If the Sri Lankan government changes its mind and takes action to revive the relationship between Taiwan and Sri Lanka, it will absolutely have an immediate positive impact on both countries.
“Covid-19 is a wake-up call and has profoundly affected our world. It has changed the global political and economic order, accelerated and expanded the reorganization of global supply chains, restructured the global economy, and changed the way we live.
“Taiwan’s government has developed a set of its own unique economic strategies in an attempt to inject new momentum into the post-pandemic economic recovery, which Sri Lanka could reap benefits from.”
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
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