Business
The George Keyt Foundation ‘Sri Lankan Artists 2024’ exhibition returns to celebrate nation’s artistic brilliance
The long-awaited ‘Sri Lankan Artists 2024’ exhibition organized by The George Keyt Foundation will make a resounding comeback after a six-year hiatus. The grand opening will take place on 22 March 2024 at the JDA Perera Gallery in Colombo and continue until 26 March.
The George Keyt Foundation’s ‘Sri Lankan Artists 2024’ exhibition not only celebrates the nation’s artistic brilliance but also serves as a platform for nurturing and promoting emerging artists. With future plans to collaborate with the government, the exhibition aims to facilitate international exposure for Sri Lankan artists through art fairs abroad.
A highlight of the exhibition will be the unveiling of the coveted ‘Artist of the Year’ award. A remarkable number of over 60 applications were received, from which 10 exceptional artists including Asela Abeywardene, Channa Ekanayake, Chaminda Gamage, Chahturika Jayani, Dillai Joseph, Sivasubramanium Kajendran, Prageeth Ratnayake, Mohammed Thajudeen Fathima Rukshana, Pradeep Thalawatta, and W Nayanananda Wijayakulathilaka have been shortlisted to have their works prominently displayed at the exhibition.
The selection of the ‘Artist of the Year’ and the prestigious ‘Memorial Award,’ named after the Foundation’s founders Sita de Silva and Cedric de Silva, is entrusted to an independent panel of distinguished judges consisting of Palinda Kannangara, Architect, Anoma Wijewardene, Independent Artist and Orlando Edwards, Country Director British Council, Sri Lanka.
The initiative also demonstrates the Foundation’s dedication to celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage. By providing a global platform, the Foundation seeks to elevate Sri Lankan artistic talents onto the world stage. The exhibition showcases the Foundation’s steadfast commitment to promoting the nation’s creative brilliance globally.
Gracing the event as the chief guest will be Hemantha Gunetilleke, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nations Trust Bank PLC, the exhibition’s esteemed sponsor since its inception. The Bank, a corporate entity respected for its unwavering support in uplifting the arts in Sri Lanka, has been instrumental in ensuring the exhibition’s success.
All proceeds from the sale of artworks will directly benefit the participating artists, further emphasising the event’s commitment to fostering local talent.
Additionally, art enthusiasts and buyers will be afforded a unique opportunity to acquire desired pieces on March 22nd, before the exhibition opens to the public.
The George Keyt Foundation’s ‘Sri Lankan Artists 2024’ exhibition provides aficionados and patrons with an immersive experience showcasing the diverse and captivating expressions of Sri Lankan art.
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.”