Business
‘Tile & sanitary ware industry in crisis due to tile import ban’
The temporary ban on tile imports has plunged the tile and sanitary ware industry into a severe crisis. Considering the magnitude of this situation, we look forward to Cabinet approval for a resumption of tile imports, the Board of Management of the Tile & Sanitary Ware Importers Association (TISA)says in a press release.
The release: ‘The industry has been facing severe crises in the past due to the temporary ban on tile imports. Not only the importers but also the traders, the warehouses and all the employees were in crisis.
‘Although we were initially able to take such a decision in the face of the economic crisis in the country, as importers of Sri Lankan tiles and sanitary ware we had doubts as to whether the continued ban was carried out by some invisible political hand.
‘There are over 300 importers in the Tile and Sanitary Importers Association (TSIA) and we are proud to acknowledge that our association has made a significant contribution to the local economy over the past 30 years. During these 30 years, we produced a large number of job opportunities as well as tailoring to customer demand as well as providing tiles and sanitary ware at reasonable prices.
‘Importers of this industry give near 12 billion rupees to the national economy on every year only from import tax.
‘Also, more than 100,000 jobs have been created directly and indirectly associated with this industry at present.
‘It has also created about 2000 small and medium scale entrepreneurs for the rural economy and generated a large number of related jobs. Also, this is an organization which represent all the races in Sri Lanka.
‘Local tiles in the local market can provide only 40% – 45% for the needs. Also, about 50% of the cost from products imported as energy and raw materials. It will be a huge environmental polution if we produce the imported items within our country.
‘Because of the supply doesn’t fulfill the need of domestic consumer, he had to buy tiles and sanitary items for a high price.
‘We have informed the President and the Cabinet from time to time about this crisis. This media conference was held to raise awareness about this. Considering this situation, we expect Cabinet approval for the import of tiles. Let’s believe.
‘As businessmen, we Sri Lankans are committed to supporting the government of Sri Lanka in the face of international obstacles. We would like to thank President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa for his support to the government and for the economic well-being of Sri Lanka. We look forward to continuing to sell tiles and sanitary ware at reasonable prices in this industry. We are studying this closely and we hope that this work will be completed soon.’
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
