Business
Tomatoes from used train tickets – Ceylon Eco Friendly Products’ latest invention
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
At a time when Sri Lanka is facing an acute US dollar shortage, the printing and importation of stocks of third class train tickets from abroad could cost more than US$ 500,000 per tender. However, for the first time in the world, a local entrepreneur has designed and launched a railway ticket, with recycled paper and agro- seeds as manufacturing material, which when dropped on the soil helps bear plants.
“I have been in the recycling business for over 30 years. A new invention in this regard is a new train ticket manufactured out of recycled paper, which contains tomato, mustard and chilli seeds. When you throw this ticket on to the soil, these seeds germinate and plants spring up, chairman, Ceylon Eco Friendly Products (Pvt) Ltd, Udaya Gunaratne, told The Island Financial Review.
Gunaratne added: ‘This would be ideal for home gardening and even people in apartments can grow valuable vegetables by using these train tickets. The used train tickets can also be recycled which would help save an amount of US dollars for the country.
‘It is very sad to note that Sri Lanka has been importing millions of train tickets from European countries for the past 150 years. This is a drain on foreign exchange, which amounts to more than US$ 500,000 per tender.
‘I presented my 100 percent ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ train ticket to the highest railway authorities in September last year and was told that Sri Lanka was going to introduce e-tickets and that this system is going to end.
‘This tender is designed in such a manner that an inventor like me who is presenting a product for the first time gets disqualified as the tender procedure calls for ‘experience’ in printing train tickets. It’s said that the cost of printing a train ticket is Rs. 2.75.
‘Sad to note that there is a railway mafia that does not permit any new local players to enter the supply business. Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardana who is trying to lower the expenses of the Railway Department, should look at this and try to break- up this mafia.’
Gunaratne has also designed and executed the world’s first project to recycle ‘shredded currency’ notes, discarded by Central Banks all over the world, by using natural resources. Currently these notes are disposed of by burning or dumping in the sea/earth and Central Banks all over the world spend a colossal amount on it.
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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