Business
Vietnamese Education Minister assures greater cooperation with SL
The Minister of Education and Training of Vietnam, Prof Nguyen Kim Son, during the bilateral discussion with the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam, Prof A. Saj U. Mendis, stated that Vietnam would be much interested to closely cooperate and collaborate with universities in Sri Lanka, particularly, in the sphere of exchange of students, scholars, researchers and faculty and Buddhist studies, amongst others. Sri Lanka and Vietnam have entered into an MoU on Education Cooperation Agreement in 2018 for a period of four years. Minister Prof Son assured that the MoU on Education Cooperation, which ceased in 2022, would be extended, thus further strengthening, deepening and elevating the contents and substance of the aforementioned Agreement/MoU.
Both the Minister and Envoy emphasized and accentuated the significance and seminal role the education plays in socio-economic advancement and augmentation of any given nation. Minister Son added that the Government of Viet Nam, similar to Sri Lanka, places great degree of importance on education since the contribution of an educated workforce in a country would be immense and immeasurable. Since Minister Prof Son has been a senior academic and professor including being the Dean at Viet Nam National University for over three decades, which is the premier academic institution of the country, Ambassador Mendis stated that he would be the most appropriate personality to be the Minister of Education. Ambassador Mendis stated that Sri Lanka has nearly 20 academic institutions and universities, recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), and could establish affiliation and academic arrangements with select universities in Viet Nam.
Minister Son also stated that Viet Nam is much interested in the realm of Buddhist studies since both the countries have a large Buddhist populace. In this context, Minister Son added that in
order to study Buddhist scriptures and Sanskrit language, scholars and researchers from Viet Nam would be eager to travel to Sri Lanka and pursue their research and studies. Ambassador Mendis did state that a number of Vietnamese Buddhist monks are already in Sri Lanka studying in temples and monasteries. Minister Son highlighted the fact that such exchanges of faculty and students between the two countries in select universities could create an intellectually synergistic and collaborative advancement, thus benefiting both the countries.
Minister Son emphasized that Viet Nam has extended a number of opportunities and scholarships to Sri Lankan students to study in Viet Nam and added that with the passage of time, hope to witness greater fostering and nurturing of students as well as universities. Ambassador Mendis, whilst agreeing with the Minister, enunciated that one of the compelling and cogent reasons for Viet Nam to be amongst the fastest growing economies in the world was due to its sound education structure. This is one of the reasons that Viet Nam could attract and woo foreign investments and manufacturing outsourcing in an unprecedented manner during the last couple of decades, thus being described by economists and political thinkers as “China Plus One” and “Miracle on Mekong Region”. Minister Son, was assisted by senior most officials, assured that his Ministry would pro-actively cooperate with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in order to broaden and widen the education and cultural relations between the two countries.
(Sri Lankan embassy in Vietnam)
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
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
