Business
Colombo tea prices spiral as Covid-19 lockdowns depress global producers
by Steve A. Morrell
Brokers agreed in their weekly market reports that tea production at 21.9 million kilos for September 2020 was more or less on par with the corresponding month of the previous year (2019).
However, performance year-on-year indicated dismal results with Asia Siyaka Tea Brokers saying comparative results in cumulative perspective reflected a minus variance deficit of 31.8 million kilos.
Production at the end of 2019 was 300.1 million kilos. The deficit performance by end September 2019, cumulatively at 201.1 million kilos, was an indicator that the minus variance would continue with production remaining at that level. Production at end September 2019 was 232.9 million kilos.
Attributed to the production deficit results was the severe drought in the first quarter of 2020, which retarded growth. The drought cut across all elevations, but particularly impacted on low growns, which set back production.
However, prices remained at competitive levels. Cumulatively, up to October 14, 2020, the net sales average (NSA) was Rs. 645.03 per kilo. The 2019 average over the same period was Rs. 513.47 per kilo.
The price table of John Keells Tea Market Report showed a steady increase in prices over the months in 2020. Low growns recorded the highest levels at Rs. 674.25 per kilo thereby contributing substantially to the upward trend in the price table.
The report also said flowery grades prices were high. For low growns, FBOPF recorded Rs. 2,800 per kilo while Op 1 fetched Rs. 3,100. per kilo.
The reasons attributed for the price increases in Colombo were shortages in producing countries in the backdrop of global corona lockdowns. India was singled out for its traumatic market conditions because of the pandemic sweeping the world.
The Uva quality season made a difference in Colombo. Though this year, the season was short-lived, it did contribute its share to the price table.
The Forbes & Walker Tea Market report said CTC (Cut Twist Curl) production at end September 2020 recorded marginal decrease of 0.1 million kilos. However, prices at Rs. 569.95 per kilo were better than the Rs. 420.25 fetched in 2019.
Although, the Covid-19 resulted in a global economic crisis, tea production continued to sustain economic activity in Sri Lanka without interruption. Tea was produced, sales and auctions were carried out and the produce was shipped out as routine.
Brokers attributed the sustained forward movement of the industry to the plantations and the tea smallholders, who continued normal production.
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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