Sri Lanka-Vietnam Business Centre launched to strengthen Sri Lanka-Vietnam ties

Thursday, 14 August 2014 00:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The APL Group of Companies in collaboration with the Embassy of Vietnam, Sri Lanka launched the Sri Lanka-Vietnam Business Centre with the aim of strengthening relations between the two countries. The launch took place on 6 August, under the auspices of Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka Ton Sinh Thanh, along with the participation of APL Group of Companies Chairman Aruna Lekamge. The opening of APL Green Towers – Sri Lanka’s first 100% solar-powered building was also held concurrent to the launch and was the highlight of the event. The Business Centre will carry out their operations from this premises, which will give them the edge in maintaining their cost of operations at a minimal level.

The Sri Lanka-Vietnam Business Centre, functioning under the APL Group of Companies, will aim towards utilising the resources of Sri Lanka and Vietnam in solidifying the relations between the two countries. Enhancing Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), creating employment opportunities for semi-skilled and skilled Sri Lankan workers in Vietnam and collaborating on technology and knowledge sharing ventures are the main objectives of establishing the business centre. Commenting on the project Aruna Lekamge said: “In the context where the country is experiencing rapid economic development, we, as a company would like to fulfil our duty as a Sri Lankan corporate entity in contributing towards the country’s economic growth. The Sri Lanka-Vietnam Business Centre will pave the way for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to explore the Vietnamese market while also being a pathway of job opportunities for Sri Lankans. Ventures of this kind will definitely have a positive impact on the country’s development.”

Having understood the timely need of introducing sustainability as an important goal, APL Energy Solutions, the green energy arm of the APL Group of companies initiated a new chapter, using renewable energy sources as means of being eco-friendly to preserve the environment. As such, they are the first Sri Lankan enterprise to have an office building facility that is powered entirely by solar energy. “The entire building, including lighting, air conditioning and elevator systems are run using solar power. This significantly reduces the operational cost of the office premises, as there is absolutely zero energy cost. This is a much viable method for large scale manufacturing facilities, as they can reduce their production cost and thereby increase profit margins,” Aruna Lekamge added.

‘Switch to the SUN’, being the dictum of APL Energy Solutions, thus aims to popularise the usage of renewable energy sources among the Sri Lankan clientele. APL Energy Solutions have also embarked on providing specialised energy solutions in collaboration with DUHAL – Vietnam’s number one LED energy solutions provider. With over a decade of experience as a leading Sri Lankan business entity, the APL Group of Companies have grown from strength to strength under the dynamic leadership of Aruna Lekamge, the visionary leader behind APL’s success story. Starting off his career as a Teaching Instructor and Mathematics Teacher at Ananda College Colombo, Aruna Lekamge served many on Directorial Boards such as Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, National Gem & Jewellery Authority and many other leading Sri Lankan corporate entities. He currently serves as the Managing Director to the Golden Key EYE & ENT Hospital Ltd. and The Finance Company PLC. His contribution to the nation is remarkable, his leadership skills, knowledge and experience were utilised to address National needs through Red Cross and many other entities such as UN, World Bank, etc. He received his formative education at Nalanda College, Colombo and kept remarkable records at the Finance & Management faculty at University of Colombo. Further he completed his postgraduate studies gaining a specialized MSc in Risk Management from the Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.