Business
Young Sri Lankan Nilan listed among South Australia’s 40 under 40
A Sri Lankan expat living in Adelaide, 31 year old Nilan Mihindukulasooriya has made it to ‘South Australia’s 40 under 40 – 2022’ list, annually compiled by the CitiMag – the Adelaide based print/digital magazine. An entrepreneur, a business leader and an accomplished IT professional, Nilan moved to Adelaide just 3 ½ years ago and founded Firehouse Technology whilst also taking up leading roles in several other initiatives. It was his remarkable work during the Covid – 19 pandemic which aimed to ‘democratize technology’ to support SMEs that earned him this coveted recognition on Australian soil.
CitiMag held the ‘40 under 40’ awards for the fifth consecutive year and this year’s gala event took place at the Adelaide Oval amidst due celebration. In line with their goal to recognize and appreciate the talented young business leaders with outstanding entrepreneurial vision in South Australia, the eminent judge panel had selected the final 40 stars from across multiple industries.
Having arrived in Adelaide just in time before the onset of the pandemic, Nilan’s work was somewhat cut out with the challenges posed by the pandemic. He was the leader behind a number of successful software solutions created during this period that addressed key issues in certain critical areas. One such product that catered to SMEs ‘Mortar Initiative’ was a revolutionary analytical platform that combined customer data with programmatic advertising which equipped SMEs with top level enterprise technology at an affordable price. His other applauded initiative was livestock trading platform for overseas farmers whose trade has been adversely affected by the pandemic.
“It gives me great pleasure and a tremendous sense of achievement to be recognized as one of South Australia’s ‘40 under 40’. Although my journey in Australia started just over 3 years ago, the foundation was laid back in Sri Lanka and many people were part of it. My parents, my wife, friends and family as well as my alma mater Mahanama College, Colombo and all the teachers and mentors deserve the credit for this. A special thank must go to my two business partners Nisal Karunathilaka and Grant Baker, my team as well as my clients for their unwavering support’’ Nilan stated of his achievement.
Nilan started his journey with a First Class Honors BSc in Information Systems from SLIIT and another BSc in ICT from University of Colombo. At present he counts over 9 years of experience as a Product Owner handling over 30 projects in 5 different countries and managing multiple agile teams both locally and remotely. He currently leads a team of over 50 professionals in Sri Lanka, Australia and Ireland. His establishment in Sri Lanka is one of the budding local IT Companies, generating much needed revenue in USD at this critical point.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”