Business
Thaala Bentota spearheads sustainable efforts in conserving endangered Ratha Milla mangrove species
Thaala Bentota Resort by Browns Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, recently unveiled a unique conservation initiative aimed at safeguarding Bentota’s vital mangrove ecosystem. The program aims to focus on the Ratha Milla plant (Lumnitzera littorea), a critically endangered true mangrove species native to Sri Lanka.
The Ratha Milla mangrove, previously thought to be limited to the Madu River Ramsar until recently, has now been rediscovered in the Bentota estuary and the Dedduwa lagoon area, with over 100 young plants aged between 10 to 20 years, where it was last recorded a century ago.
A series of informative signs were unveiled at the Bentota mangrove site on the 4th of April to raise awareness amongst visitors on the significance of this distinct ecosystem. The Thaala Bentota team, led by Channa Ekanayake, General Manager of the property, hosted an education and awareness session at the Bentota Dewapriya Rama Temple, bringing together tourists, officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the local community. The discussion highlighted the importance of mangroves around the coastal areas and the need to preserve the critically endangered Ratha Milla plant while mitigating numerous threats to its survival. The program additionally emphasised the need to foster a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity and its ecological importance.
“We are optimistic that this initiative will provide crucial support for the regeneration of the Ratha Milla mangrove species. Through our collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, we are committed to making a tangible difference in securing the long-term viability of these invaluable ecosystems. Through continued efforts and community involvement, we can work towards a sustainable future where mangroves thrive for generations to come” said Eksath Wijeratne, CEO of Browns Hotels & Resorts.
“The mangroves in Bentota serve as the backbone of our coastal ecosystem, essential for preserving biodiversity and shielding coastal communities from the ravages of climate change. The recent discovery of the Ratha Milla mangrove population presents an invaluable opportunity for seed propagation and advancing conservation endeavors. Through our partnership with Thaala Bentota Resort, our primary objective is to mitigate human-induced threats through educational initiatives” stated Asanka Gunawardane – Head of Marine Division, Hikkaduwa, Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Browns Hotels & Resorts (BH&R) stands as a beacon of luxury and hospitality with a distinguished portfolio comprising some of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting properties: Club Hotel Dolphin, The Calm Resort & Spa, Hotel Sigiriya, Thaala Bentota Resort, Dickwella Resort, Occidental Eden Beruwala, Occidental Paradise Dambulla, and the Reveal Boutique Collection. Beyond providing unparalleled experiences to its guests, BH&R is committed to fostering sustainable practices and community development initiatives. From dedicated wildlife conservation endeavours to impactful community empowerment projects, Browns Hotels & Resorts diligently strives to make a positive impact on both the environment and society at large.
Aligned under the expansive framework of Browns Investments (BI), the investment arm of LOLC Holdings PLC, BH&R is part of the most diversified conglomerate, the Browns Group. With this robust foundation, BH&R is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, innovation and social responsibility in the realm of hospitality, setting new standards for the industry while enriching the lives of communities and preserving the natural wonders of Sri Lanka.
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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