Business
Tikiri Toys – First organic rubber toy company in the world to be awarded GOLS accreditation
In a world first, Tikiri Toys, the acclaimed Sri Lankan brand of natural play products for children, is the first-ever natural rubber toy manufacturing company to be awarded the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) accreditation.
The accreditation, which was initiated by Tikiri Toys after recognizing an industry need, is a pioneering award for the first global standard for organic latex by Control Union Certifications. It is the equivalent of the well-known Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification and ensures the traceability in any latex used at every stage of production.
Tikiri Toys is locally-designed and manufactured by DSL Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the chief exporter of organic toys from Sri Lanka. From a humble production facility in 1991, DSL Lanka has now garnered a loyal global following for its ethically sourced and produced, organic soft toys for toddlers. Tikiri Toys is its Sri Lankan brand, launched in 2013. Their beloved Meiya & Alvin collections are currently sold in over 56 countries including Sri Lanka and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of children around the world. The brand’s Bonikka collection is now an international phenomenon and features beautifully handcrafted rag dolls, all inspired by a precious family heirloom.
“We are excited that our efforts have resulted in a new global standard for toy manufacturers. It serves as recognition of the impeccable care we have taken to ensure that our products are made from 100% pure organic rubber. In addition, all cotton materials are ethically sourced, and our toys are biodegradable.
“Tikiri toys are designed to delight, comfort and promote infant development. Therefore, our responsibility is twofold – we go to great lengths to ensure that our products are safe for children and we work very hard to ensure that our toys do not harm the environment,” stated Mano Sheriff, CEO of DSL Lanka.
Tikiri Toys’ ethos on safety and sustainability pervades the entire lifecycle of their children’s toys. It sources latex from small plantations in Sri Lanka which are certified organic, and this safeguards that all toys are pure, natural and safe for infants and toddlers.
There is an emphasis on high sustainability in the toys. The stuffing used is reclaimed from recycled plastic bottles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is also a superior alternative to natural materials which dry poorly and have a greater risk of forming mould. Natural, sustainably harvested rubber from the Hevea tree form the rubber components. This is certified non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free and PVC-free. The hand-painted toys use plant-based non-toxic dyes while the packaging incorporates recycled board and soy-based inks.
The GOLS accreditation is a recognition of Tikiri Toys’ business ethos while also offering parents peace of mind, knowing that the toys are non-toxic, sustainable and ethical. DSL Lanka is the only Sri Lankan company that manufactures organic soft toys for export and local retail.
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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