Business
‘The lack of a proper management system hindering SL’s port efficiency’
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Sri Lanka does not have a proper port management system and this drawback causes tremendous delays when dealing with documentation. It will not serve the purpose even if the government expands port operations, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva said.
“The government should not regulate the shipping industry but on certain occasions act as a regulator in order to protect the interests of the people. Streamlining the port management system will enable us to create an efficient port. Once the IMF agreement is signed we could develop the shipping industry with assistance from the private sector, De Silva said at the Sixth Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA). The event was held at the Cinnamon Grand on Monday.
De Silva added: ‘Colombo Port has no room for any expansion but the Asian Development Bank is planning to fund the North Port development project and the final feasibility report will be ready soon. Therefore, the private sector could take a leading role in its development activities.
‘Once the IMF agreement is signed we could get more funds for the development of the country. Initially Galle Port will be developed as a tourism and passenger hub in the country. Apart from that, Japan one of our main donor countries, has supported us with US $ 1 billion to set up a night vision system in Trincomalee Port.
‘A large number of investment opportunities are available in the Trincomalee area, especially to set up an LPG gas terminal. Other investments will flow into Sri Lanka once the IMF agreement is signed.
‘Further, the Indian government will invest US$ 50 million to build the break water system and develop other facilities at Kankesanthurai Port. Once the IMF agreement is signed, foreign funds will come into Sri Lanka, which would enable us to develop the country in a systematic manner.’
SLANA was formed to promote and protect the interests of NVOCC agents in Sri Lanka and to formulate national policies to elevate the maritime industry, together with the Ministry of Ports & Shipping. SLANA works with the SLPA, Director General of Merchant Shipping & Customs and other trade associations to identify and address issues faced by its members. Currently SLANA membership stands at 52.
SLANA was formed in 2016 by licensed agents in Sri Lanka representing Non-Vessel Operating Container Carriers who operate fleets of marine containers. The principal container fleets include 20ft & 40ft standard dry containers, refrigerated containers, liquid carrying ISO tank containers and dry special containers, such as flat racks & open tops.
The NVOCC membership consists mainly of regional carriers, who operate shipping services within the Indian sub-continent (including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives), Middle East Gulf Ports (including, Dubai, Sohar, Shuwaikh, Doha, Bandar Abbas, Umm Qasr) and Far East Ports (including Singapore, Port Klang, Busan, Hai Phong, Taiwan, and Base Ports in China).
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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