Business
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka opens in a newly designed public venue
Sri Lanka’s first museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art will be shifting its location to Crescat Boulevard, Colombo 03
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka moves location to be more accessible to the general public
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka), the country’s first public museum committed to the display, research, collection and conservation of modern and contemporary art moved to Crescat Boulevard in November 2021. The move to its new location meets its objective of being more accessible to the general public, schools and tourists. The MMCA Sri Lanka was launched in 2019 as a not-for-profit organisation and receives local and international funding. Its first exhibition attracted over 3500 visitors. In addition to hosting 37 school and university groups from across the country. The museum hosted 165 free public events, 11 kids workshops, and 12 trilingual talks by artists, educators and curators during the course of the exhibition.
Speaking of the location change, Ajit Gunewardene, Chair of the MMCA Sri Lanka Committee said, “the MMCA Sri Lanka’s decision to move to Crescat Boulevard was a strategic one. As a museum in the making, it adds huge value to Colombo’s development post-pandemic. Crescat provides an easily accessible, non-intimidating setting that is a good fit for MMCA Sri Lanka.”
Nayana Mawilmada, Sector Head of the Property Group of John Keells Holdings speaking about the partnership said, “we are delighted to host MMCA Sri Lanka at the newly revamped Crescat Mall. With its central and easily accessible location, Crescat will offer MMCA Sri Lanka an opportunity to showcase the country’s contemporary art to a wide audience. It brings an essential cultural attraction to enhance Colombo’s tourism offering and we believe that visitors to the mall will enjoy using the multifactorial activities now offered. With its thought-provoking exhibits and programming for children and adults, we are happy to partner with the museum in showcasing the rich history and social discourses of our society.”
Sharmini Pereira, Chief Curator, MMCA Sri Lanka, said, “MMCA Sri Lanka is not the first museum to be located in a shopping mall––there is a history of art spaces being located inside retail environments, especially across Asia, in countries like Japan, India and China. Our new location provides us with countless opportunities to reach audiences who would not otherwise venture into museums of modern and contemporary art. We encourage people to follow us over social media because we have plenty of events that can’t be missed lined up over the next six months. Our goal is to once again create a unique, museum-quality experience that not only raises awareness about the country’s modern and contemporary art but also raises the profile of the city of Colombo itself.”
Crescat Boulevard is located at the heart of Colombo 03, with easy access points from Galle Road and Sri Uttarananda Mawatha. MMCA Sri Lanka is due to open its second exhibition in February 2022, in a 3,800sq. ft space on the second floor of Crescat Boulevard.
MMCA Sri Lanka is founded upon the values of learning and discovery and is committed to artists past and present, living and working across the country and internationally. Alongside its curated exhibitions and education programmes, the museum is the first publicly accessible trilingual venue of its kind in 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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