Business
UNICEF Sri Lanka launches Business Council to drive sustainable development and child rights agenda
UNICEF has launched the Business Council, a strategic partnership between UNICEF and top business leaders and decision-makers to advance child rights and sustainable development in the country.
The newly formed Business Council brings together a group of influential private sector personalities committed to championing child rights and the well-being of children and young people in Sri Lanka. The selected business leaders are in the Business Council as individuals rather than representing their entities.
Moving forward, the Council Members will periodically convene to discuss strategies, initiatives, and areas of collaboration to improve the situation of children and young people. Their collective expertise, leadership and proven commitment to social responsibility will pave the way for innovative solutions and shared value creation.
“We are thrilled to launch the UNICEF Sri Lanka Business Council as a means to create a collaborative platform for business leaders and decision-makers”, said Christian Skoog, Representative, UNICEF Sri Lanka. “Through this Council, we aim to harness the power of the private sector to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of children in Sri Lanka.”
UNICEF is increasingly engaging with the private sector, partnering with a wide range of stakeholders, including business leaders and industry associations, and investors. By integrating children’s rights and sustainable development goals into existing business models, UNICEF aims to achieve scale and sustainability while doing what we do best – putting children first.
Speaking on behalf of the Council Members during the launch, Ms. Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, Group Chief Executive Officer, of Hemas Holdings PLC said “We collectively recognize the importance of working together to improve the lives of children and ensuring that their rights are protected. The UNICEF Business Council provides an invaluable platform for collaboration with like-minded leaders and organizations, enabling us to achieve results at scale.”
The members of the Business Council include: Ms. Shiromal Cooray, Chairman and Managing Director, Jetwing Travels (Pvt.) Ltd; Mr. Rathika De Silva, Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact (Network Sri Lanka); Mr. Dilhan Fernando, Chief Executive Officer, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC; Dr. Rohan Fernando, Executive Director, Aitken Spence PLC; Mr. Shanil Fernando, Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce (Sri Lanka); Mr. Firzan Hashim, Country Director, Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management; Mr. Ashroff Omar, Chief Executive Officer, Brandix Apparel Limited; Mr. Ranjit Page, Deputy Chairman,
Cargills (Ceylon) PLC; Mr. Ashok Pathirage, Chief Executive Officer, Softlogic Holdings PLC; Ms. Ayodhya Perera, Managing Director, Sampath Bank PLC; Dr. Roshan Rajadurai, Managing Director, Hayleys Plantation Sector; Mr. K. R. Ravindran, Chief Executive Officer, Printcare PLC; Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC; Ms. Sheamalee Wickramasingha, Group Managing Director, Ceylon Biscuits Limited; and Ms. Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, Group Chief Executive Officer, Hemas Holdings PLC.
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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