Business
Top business forum reveals:
Two thirds of menstruating women in SL are non-users of sanitary pads
by Sanath Nanayakkare
National level data pertaining to the use of proper commercial sanitary pads by menstruating women in Sri Lanka shows only about a third of the menstruating female population uses feminine hygiene products, thus causing concern. Two thirds of menstruating women population use alternative methods to absorb menstrual fluids.
Meanwhile, it was revealed that as high as 90% of menstruating female workers on tea estates don’t use sanitary pads during their menstrual cycles.
These observations were made by Hemas FMCG and MJF charity foundation of Dilmah Tea at a forum in Colombo on Monday where State Minster Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle was the keynote speaker.
Hemas’ Fems joined forces with the ARKA initiative, Dilmah’s Merrill J. Fernando Charity Foundation, Sarvodaya Women’s Movement and Sarvodaya-Fusion to educate a wider audience of Sri Lankan women on menstrual health and iron out the long-held myths and misconceptions.
While addressing the knowledge gap, this initiative intends to encourage women to use sanitary napkins as researches have found out that majority of menstruating women are non-users of sanitary napkins.
Speaking to the The Island Financial Review CEO Dilmah Dilhan Fernando said that a survey conducted by MJF foundation of Dilmah Tea has found that as high as 90% of menstruating female workers on tea estates don’t use sanitary pads during their menstrual cycles.
Meanwhile, Sriyan de Silva Wijeyaratne, Hemas MD FMCG told the IFR that available data on the adoption of proper health practices by menstruating women in Sri Lanka is not ‘worth talking about’ especially as Sri Lanka boasts a progressive period of 73 years since its Independence.
“If you look at how many women are using feminine menstrual hygiene products on a regular basis, we are referring to about one third of the menstruating women population. Even on an adhoc basis, the usage is less than two thirds of the category. However, having said that, more than two thirds of menstruating women in Sri Lanka should have no problem spending about Rs. 100 on sanitary napkins. That is why we are saying that this is not just a matter of affordability. In fact, this highlights the need for a combination of having good quality affordable products in the market and having the right education and awareness to use them. We have to bring the topic out and have a no-holds-barred dialogue on this. Such a candid dialogue will set the women free. That is why we launched the new sanitary napkin via an initiative for women empowerment on International Women’s Day, rather than just launch a product saying, look, we have a cheap product.”
Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle, State Minister of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control responding to a question posed by IFR said, “We want to see all menstruating schoolgirls get sanitary napkins for free. But we can’t do this alone as a state-owned company doesn’t manufacture the item. We need the support of the private sector to make it a reality”.
Alongside the nationwide initiative, Fems launched a new sanitary napkin aiming to equip Sri Lankan women with an affordable napkin solution. Manufactured using a soft cotton top sheet to provide maximum comfort to the user, Fems Aya napkin will soon be available in the market for an affordable price.
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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