Business
Unilever Sri Lanka, the Central Environmental Authority and the Marine Environment Protection Authority enter into a partnership for a sustainable future
As part of its broader sustainability agenda, Unilever Sri Lanka remains committed to collecting +100% of the equivalent plastic it sells into the domestic market. A key enabler of this will be a public-private partnership between Unilever the CEA and the MEPA to clean and step up the health of the Kelani River which provides drinking water to 4 million Sri Lankans. This was formalized through a MoU signed recently.
Ali Tariq, Chairman and CEO at Unilever Sri Lanka said, “In our efforts to create a circular economy for plastics, we are proud to confirm that over the last 2 years we have collected +100% of the equivalent plastic volume that we have sold through our products.
The Kelani River clean-up partnership will enable our commitment to continue to do so and support the national agenda of ‘Extended Producer Responsibility for plastic manufacturers’.
A clean Kelani River will not only provide safe drinking water but also foster a thriving environment for fishing and tourism, creating opportunities and improve living standards.”
Venura Fernando, Chairman of Central Environmental Authority further stated, “We find it promising to witness corporates such as Unilever stepping in to fulfill their ‘Extended Producer Responsibilities’ through enduring commitments and partnerships.
The collaboration with Unilever Sri Lanka on the Kelani River cleanup project exemplifies this effort. Public-Private Partnerships will play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges, and we are optimistic that this initiative will effectively harness the combined expertise of both sectors for a sustainable future,”
This five-year project will encompass multiple activities, including cleaning programs along the river, the adjoining beaches and the seabed. These will be implemented in collaboration with local councils, and through community engagement and training to raise awareness amongst schoolchildren, residents and local authority workers, and the installation of floating barriers to prevent further pollution. The initiatives will focus on the mouth of the river to prioritise the health of the coastal ecosystems and marine life.
“MEPA is fully supportive of this project and recognizes the importance of protecting our precious marine environment said Asela Rekawa, Chairman of Marine Environment Protection Authority. “The Kelani River feeds directly into the ocean, and effective waste management practices are crucial to safeguard our marine resources.”
The project adds to Unilever Sri Lanka’s broader sustainability agenda. The latter extends to also addressing climate change, protecting nature, promoting responsible plastic use, and recognising the vital role healthy ecosystems play in supporting livelihoods.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
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