Business
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka Launches Term 3 of ‘MMCA Afterschool’
In October 2022, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) launched ‘MMCA Afterschool’, an initiative that provides children aged 6–10 with stimulating, fun, and collaborative learning experiences in the context of the country’s first museum of modern and contemporary art. The programme has successfully completed two terms, with the participation of 20 children in Term 1 (October–December 2022), and 30 children in Term 2 (January–February 2023).
MMCA Afterschool is a programme led by the Education Department of MMCA Sri Lanka and delivered with the support of the Visitor Educators (VEs) of the museum. Speaking on the conceptualisation and planning that led to the programme, Sanuja Goonetilleke, Curator of Learning and Training noted that, “The MMCA Afterschool programme began with the question ‘how can a modern and contemporary art museum based in Colombo cater to a child?’”, adding that, “Observing how children in Sri Lanka typically experience syllabi and assessment-based ‘cramming’ in schools, we felt that opportunities which make space for children to develop their overall life skills in formal educational settings are sporadic at best. MMCA Afterschool is hence offered as an educational, yet fun programme that contributes to a child’s overall development and learning needs in Sri Lanka”.
The Visitor Educators of the MMCA Sri Lanka guide the children through all the activities that span across four two-hour sessions. Goonetilleke reflected on the learning and training opportunities that the programme opens for the VEs, noting that “To keep things novel and interesting for children, no two sessions of MMCA Afterschool are exactly the same. This means that behind the scenes, our VEs research, create, tweak, deliver, and evaluate activities on a weekly basis.” She continued by adding “I am incredibly proud of how our VEs–some who have prior teaching experience and some who have none–have taken on these responsibilities and new roles.”
These sessions engage the children in conversations, tours, discussions, creative writing, object/art-making, movement-based activities, treasure hunts, and much more. Speaking on the enthusiasm shown by the children and their parents/guardians/caregivers alike towards the programme, Pramodha Weerasekera, Assistant Curator of Education and Public Programmes said that, “The reception from parents has been wonderful. Many of them are excited about the creative freedom with guidance that the programme provides. The programme is also an opportunity for children to gather and socialise after almost three years of reduced social interaction.”
The MMCA Sri Lanka is an education-led initiative that aims to establish a public museum dedicated to the display, research, collection, and conservation of modern and contemporary art for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public, schools, and tourists. As a space that facilitates learning experiences at the intersections of education, entertainment, and creative engagement, the MMCA Sri Lanka is an ideal context for children to engage in learning through interaction with Sri Lankan modern and contemporary art. Parents/guardians/caregivers are invited to visit the museum with their children, at the Ground floor of Crescat Boulevard, Colombo 3, from 10am–6pm daily. Parents interested to learn more about MMCA Afterschool may email education@mmca-srilanka.org.
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
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
