Business
Yamaha and AMW expect import ban on motorcycles will be lifted with economy stabilising
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Associated Motorways (Private) Limited (AMW), the official distributor for Yamaha Motorcycles, Service and Parts recently hosted a dealer meeting in Colombo. The key personnel gathered at the event included Andre Bonthyus, the newly appointed Group Managing Director of AMW.
Addressing the audience which comprised more than 200 Island-wide Yamaha dealers, Bonthyus said that he looks forward to growing the organization and emphasized on AMW’s return to the market.
Meanwhile, Kumika Imai, Executive General Manager – Yamaha Motor Corporation Japan, who is handling over 140 countries where Yamaha is present, stated that she had chosen to visit Sri Lanka due to the significance and value placed on the country and its market.
Notably, they mentioned the fact that automotive imports to Sri Lanka which have come to a halt due to the foreign exchange crisis, would get a respite this year, as the country’s macroeconomic indicators are getting into a better shape after four years.
“We believe that motorcycle imports will be allowed into Sri Lanka this year and we want our dealers to be ready to maintain and handle our loyal Yamaha customers, and meet the demand for Yamaha motorcycles,” they said.
“In such circumstances, Yamaha dealers should improve their business processes now, in order to thrive in the boom time. We will be providing the dealer network with strategic guidance and support enabling them to align their business objectives with the overall vision of Yamaha and AMW,” they said.
They emphasized that Yamaha and AMW have developed new strategies to maintain close communication with all of their dealers.
“We will effectively communicate with our dealers and obtain their valuable inputs for strategic pricing of Yamaha motorcycles, spare parts and outboard motors. In addition to that, we will support our dealers in digital order placements, invoice posting, streamlining payment terms and business development through training sessions at regular intervals,” they added.
The import ban on vehicles in Sri Lanka has been in place since 2020; a decision made by the government to prevent the outflow of much needed foreign currency. A high percentage of the Sri Lankan workforce that actively contributes to the economy mainly depends on motorcycles for transportation because motorcycles can be bought and maintained at reasonable prices.
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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