Business
Thrust sectors in Sri Lanka’s export basket record hefty growth
Target is to surpass 2019 export performance by end 2021
Apparel Industry reports healthy status of their order books
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Sanjaya Mohottala, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) told The Island Financial Review yesterday that Sri Lanka’s exports have surged in the first half of 2021 as the economic recovery is springing back from the pandemic-hit, especially with the thrust sectors of the export economy showing notable resilience.
“Exports across all sectors combined have grown by +30% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis compared to 2020. Together with the Export Development Board (EDB), our aspiration is to surpass the full year 2019 export performance by the end of 2021, given that 2019 was one of the best years recorded for exports in Sri Lanka,” he said.
“We are happy to note therefore, that many sectors, especially the thrust sectors that the BOI has identified to drive the economy, namely; rubber, agri-processing, fisheries and also electronics, have recorded a YTD double digit growth compared to 2019.”
“While other sectors have also shown resilience amidst these turbulent times, with the rollout of the vaccination programme, we expect sectors such as the Apparel Industry to also catch up, given the current healthy status of their order books,” BOI chairman said.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi organised a webinar along with the Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai recently to bridge over 100 Sri Lankan ICT firms and professionals with the UAE market to explore new opportunities within the ICT trade.
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Business Council in UAE Suren Swaminathan shared their enterprise expertise in UAE and highlighted that the Emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have grown quickly within the ICT sector and there are many three-way partnership opportunities for the Sri Lankan ICT sector within the UAE market.
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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