Business
U.S. willing to help Sri Lanka find sustainable solutions to urgent economic challenges
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Julie Chung, the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka met with UNP Leader and former prime minister Ranil Wickremasinghe (RW) on Monday, March 21 at the latter’s private residence in Colombo. The meeting took place two weeks following her talks with Denis Chaibi, the EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka on potential areas for collaboration in Sri Lanka and the Indo Pacific.
The official Twitter account of Ambassador Julie Chung said, “A vibrant political opposition is vital in any healthy democracy. Thank you RW for meeting with me to discuss ways the U.S. and Sri Lanka can work together to find sustainable solutions to today’s urgent economic challenges,”
On March 8, she met with TNA Leader R. Sampanthan on the need for a political solution, accountability and justice for all Sri Lankans. Following this meeting she said that she was looking forward to more conversations on democracy, governance and inclusive economic growth for all of Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.
Earlier, the U.S. Ambassador met with Justice Minister Ali Sabry and discussed their ‘shared commitment’ to the rule of law and support for Sri Lanka’s efforts to ensure justice for is citizens including the adoption of modern tech international standards through USAID’s efficient and effective justice project.
Julie Chung during her recent meeting with AmCham Sri Lanka said that the U.S. is committed to working with the local partners to foster a Sri Lankan economy that is sustainable, innovative and inclusive. She further discussed with AmCham ways to increase the prosperity of all Sri Lankans.
She also met with Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colomboge and discussed bilateral cooperation at the UNHRC and continued U.S. support for economic development on the island.
The U.S Ambassador’s assurance to Sri Lanka comes at a time the island nation’s currency reserves have slumped 70% in the last two years to $2.31 billion and it has to repay about $4 billion in debt in the remainder of this year.
Reuters said on Monday that the drain of dollars has left Sri Lanka struggling to pay for critical imports including food, fuel and medicine.
Meanwhile, the government yesterday ordered the military to post soldiers at hundreds of filling stations belonging to Ceypetco to ensure the distribution of fuel without causing more social unrest and deaths.
Sri Lanka’s finance minister is due to head to Washington next month for talks with the IMF with the objective of getting funding assistance from the international lender.
A report by Reuters said that Sri Lanka is going to hire a global law firm to get technical assistance on debt restructuring ahead of the talks IMF.
Ajith Nivard Cabraal, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka repeatedly said that Sri Lanka would not seek assistance of the IMF and would replenish foreign reserves with financial assistance from friendly countries and non-debt creating inflows.
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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