Business
Sri Lanka tea exports: Iraq secures top position in 1H 2023
* Türkiye placed at No. 2 and Russia retains its No.3 position
* FOB value for the period shows an increase of Rs. 559.92
* All categories except for Instant Tea have witnessed a decline
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Iraq has secured the top position in Sri Lanka tea exports for the period January-June 2023 with a total of 14.73 M/Kgs, followed by Türkiye at No. 02 with 13.33 M/Kgs, and Russia retaining the 3rd position with an increase of over 14% (12.34M/Kgs) against last year’s 10.10 M/Kgs, a Forbes and Walker report stated yesterday.
Thereafter, U.A.E (7.49 M/Kgs) and China (5.77/Kgs) occupy the 4th and 5th places respectively. Other notable importers are namely, Azerbaijan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Germany, Forbes and Walker stated.
“Meanwhile, Tea exports for the month of June 2023 totalled 21.41 M/Kgs, showing a decline of 2.16 M/Kgs vis-à-vis 23.57 M/Kgs of June 2022. All categories except for Instant Tea have witnessed a decline against the corresponding month of 2022.”
“FOB (Freight On Board) value in June 2023 was recorded at Rs. 1,568.97, a decrease of Rs. 210.66 YoY compared to the Rs. 1,779.63 of June 2022. Furthermore, positive variances were recorded in all main categories in USD terms.”
“June 2023 cumulative exports totalled 112.22 M/Kgs, showing a decrease of 13.07 M/Kgs vis-à-vis 125.29 M/Kgs of January-June 2022. Tea in Bulk and Packeted Tea continue to show negative variances, whilst the remaining product categories recorded a marginal increase.”
“FOB value for the period stood at Rs. 1,870.66, an increase of Rs. 559.92 vis-à-vis Rs. 1,310.74 of January-June 2022. All categories showed gains in USD terms as well when compared to the corresponding period of 2022.”Forbes and Walker said.
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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