Business
US-based and Lankan-headed Ekva LLC conducts search in SL for promising startups
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Ekva LLC, a US company with a strong Sri Lankan presence, with Sri Lankan born businessman Amith Boteju as CEO, was in Sri Lanka recently to find promising startups in any industry for inclusion in the company’s business accelerator project.
“We aim to invest and guide promising startups to build sustainable businesses and raise funds. Selected startups will be offered an investment from Ekva and will be invited to join the program scheduled to start in Q3/2023, followed by a demo day to further raise funds, said Boteju. He led a high-profile team to Sri Lanka from March 20 to 25 to find promising start-ups.
“We will accept applications from incorporated or unincorporated startups at any stage, be it from idea, proof of concept (PoC) or minimum viable product (MVP) levels to those vying for traction and early revenue. Therefore, we have US$ 500,000 to help start-up companies in Sri Lanka, Boteju told The Island Financial Review.
Boteju added: ‘The company will invest 50 per cent of the funds required to support 50-100 selected startups in the Ek’celerator One Cohort. Recently we got an inquiry from a young Sri Lankan lady entrepreneur to train and ship horses to Dubai’s rich and elite families, out of 120 applications. We have offered our funds and already 300 acres have been allocated for that purpose in Nuwara Eliya.
‘The Council for Start Ups (CFS) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce plays a significant role in the startup ecosystem in Sri Lanka and is partnered by Ekva, which will lend its support and guidance to ensure the relevant objectives are achieved.
‘The Ekva Accelerator initiative uniquely called Ek’celerator, was established in 2022 to support and empower promising entrepreneurs.
‘With Sri Lankans at the head, we understand local needs, local flavour and local thinking. We teamed up with international experts who have worked in top management positions at leading corporate giants, such as, JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, AT&T, Cirque Du Soleil, MGM Hospitality, Akon Legacy Ventures, Rabo Bank and Finish Line, to bring in international expertise to find bright lights in the country.’
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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