Business
‘Farmers for a phased out transition from chemical to organic fertilizer; supplemented with advice’
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The farming community of Sri Lankan doesn’t want a haphazard rush towards full-scale organic fertilizer use. Instead, they prefer a properly phased out process supplemented with adequate advice, a new survey has revealed, Executive Director of Verité Research (Pvt.) Ltd. Dr. Nishan De Mel said.
“This was one of the key findings of the first survey of its kind carried out among farmers on the chemical fertilizer ban. It was carried out by Verité Research. The survey was conducted among farmers who cultivate paddy, fruits, vegetables, coconut, tea, minor export crops (spices) and cereal, De Mel said during an online media briefing last Wednesday, where Verité Research released results of an island wide farmer survey on the chemical fertilizer ban.
De Mel added: ‘President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa announced a ban on the import of chemical fertilizers to Sri Lanka. Verité Research conducted a “Farmers’ Pulse” telephone survey to elicit the views of farmers on this policy and its expected impact. This is the first time that the perception of Sri Lankan farmers on this policy is being presented, based on statistically representative island wide survey results.
‘Verité Research implemented this telephone survey in July 2021 among 1,042 farmers through Vanguard Survey, a specialized survey agency in Sri Lanka. The survey sample consisted of farmers who cultivated crops for commercial purposes and was distributed evenly among all nine provinces. Additionally, only farmers who cultivate more than half an acre and have engaged in farming for more than three years were selected for the survey.
‘The Verité Research survey said almost two-thirds of the farmers were supportive of the government’s vision to move Sri Lanka towards organic agriculture, but almost 80 percent of those who were supportive felt that it would require more than one year to do so.
‘Over 90 percent of farmers surveyed said they currently use chemical fertilizer and almost all of them or 85 percent expected huge reductions in their harvest (average expected reduction of 47 percent ) if they were not able to use chemical fertilizer.
‘The highest dependency on chemical fertilizer is among paddy farmers (94 percent), followed by tea and rubber (89 percent).
“There is a low level of confidence on the knowledge required for the transition. Only 20 percent of the farmers said they had adequate knowledge on suitable organic fertilizers and the proper application of it to their crops.
“The survey also revealed 44 per cent of the farmers experienced a decline this harvest and 85 per cent foresee a decline in the future.
“As per the survey, the three major requests that farmers make of the government are: (1) advice and instructions on organic fertilizer; (2) more time, so that it can be a gradual transition and (3) standardized supply of organic alternatives.
“This is the first time that the perception of Sri Lankan farmers on this policy is being presented based on statistically representative island wide survey results.”
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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