Business
The people should be allowed to express their opinion at the earliest opportunity – CBEOU
The people should be allowed to express their opinion with regard to the political future of the country at the earliest possible opportunity, the Central Bank Executive Officers Union (CBEOU) said in a press release.
The release:’ The primary demand of the people’s movement held on July 9, 2022 was to compel the then President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to step down. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed to fill the vacant position due to the resignation of the President who left the country in the face of intense public pressure and the Parliament is expected to elect a new President on July 20, 2022.
‘We are of the opinion that there is no need for a detailed explanation about the current economic crisis faced by the country thus we believe that the House of Representatives also understand the gravity of the catastrophe. The most practical solution at the moment to get out of the crisis is to get involved in a program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as soon as possible, which even the outgoing regime had recognized though was too late.
‘Even though it has been more than two months since a new Cabinet was appointed after the political upheaval that happened on May 9, 2022, the continued delay in the implementation of the necessary reforms in the fiscal sector is not at all beneficial to the aforementioned program. On the other hand, the “Central Bank Act” drafted in 2019 for a more independent Central Bank which will support the stability of the country is yet to be passed in the Parliament and the IMF too has insisted that the Central Bank should be made more independent.
‘Political stability is essential to achieve economic stability, and there should be a guiding economic and political program that can be agreed upon by all political parties in the existing Parliament. For that, it is necessary to appoint a President and a Prime Minister who would have public recognition. Therefore, we insist that all political parties representing the Parliament actively engage to find a viable solution to the existing problem deprioritizing party politics and personal agendas.
‘We are of the view that the opinion of the general public is not reflected through the existing Parliament majority, as a result of the wrong and ill-timed decisions taken by the ruling party especially during the past two and half years. In this background, it is doubtful that an Executive President who will be elected by the current Parliament will have the social acceptance to stay in power for a longer period of time. In such a situation, it would be prudent to give an opportunity for the people to express their opinion at the very first instance when the basic level of stability of the country is fulfilled, and we hope that the incoming President and Prime Minister will attend to this matter with due consideration.’
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.”