Business
UNESCAP Technical Cooperation Highlights Report flags significant strides in its partnership with Sri Lanka
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) launched the Technical Cooperation Highlights 2022-2023 Report on 24th April 2024. The 2022-2023 Edition offers a comprehensive account of the inspiring and enduring partnerships with its partner countries with special reference to Sri Lanka.
Following the successful co-hosting of the Fifth South Asia Forum on Sustainable Development in Colombo by the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) and UNESCAP in 2021, the Sustainable Development Council took a lead role in mobilizing technical and financial resources of UNESCAP to support its core functions as well as some key initiatives of its partner agencies including the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Sustainable Finance Committee of the Office of the President etc to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sri Lanka.
This collaboration has progressed towards UNESCAP’s continued technical assistance in strengthening Sri Lanka’s SDG monitoring and evaluation capabilities including developing the Sri Lanka SDG Progress Dashboard, developing Sri Lanka’s first sovereign Green Bond Framework, capacity building of key stakeholders (both public and private sector) on sustainable finance instruments including thematic bonds, technical assistance on Debt for Nature/ Climate Swaps, formulation of the National Strategy to Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Sri Lanka (ISB Strategy), and Capacity Building of Women Entrepreneurs of Sri Lanka on enhancing business opportunities through Digital Tools.
UNESCAP also provided technical support in conducting Sri Lanka’s Second Voluntary National Review of SDG Implementation (the VNR) and capacity building key stakeholders through a twinning programme with Pakistan.
Further, important work has already commenced in developing a National Action Plan for integrated SDG Monitoring in Sri Lanka, a Multi-stakeholder Action Plan for Inclusive and Sustainable Business Capacity Development and Inclusive Business Accreditation System with UNESCAP’s support.
The visit of the Executive Secretary of UNESCAP to Sri Lanka hosted by the Sustainable Development Council in January this year and the successful launch of the National ISB Strategy marks a significant milestone of this partnership.
The recently launched Report highlights how UNESCAPs partnership with Sri Lanka created opportunities to gain access to innovative approaches to advance the SDGs in Sri Lanka addressing complex and interlinked challenges relating to sustainable development.
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.”
