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Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries holds 2nd small holders outreach webinar towards promoting good agricultural practices

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The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) recently held a webinar to highlight the importance of promoting good agricultural practices of small holder farmers in the Asia Pacific, Central Latin America and Africa. The CPOPC provides a platform for smallholder networks to share their experience and knowledge and learn from each other.

Addressing these opportunities through a webinar, was Kepson Puspita, a representative of oil palm smallholders from Papua New Guinea, Djono Albar Burhan, a representative of the oil palm smallholders in Indonesia and Dupito D. Simamora, CPOPC Deputy Executive Director.

A panel was assembled, consisting of eminent personalities from all areas of the palm oil cultivation process – planters, business and academia – to provide views, opinions and assessments of the global palm oil cultivation landscape. The speakers presented all topics relating to smallholder sustainability, sharing real stories, real-life issues and experiences. The webinar showcased a number of good agricultural practices that can be implemented in Sri Lanka, going forward, and presented a number of reasons as to how the cultivation of palm oil can be sustainable, environmentally friendly, boost national growth, and ensure further economic stability.

Sharing his expertise on palm oil production In Indonesia, Djono Albar Burhan from The International Relations and People Development Department in Indonesia-Oil Palm Smallholder Association, touched on the benefits to smallholders through good agricultural practices. Looking at the economic and welfare impacts of Palm oil production in Indonesia, Burhan stated that Indonesia consists of 16.38 million hectares with smallholder farmers owning a big percentage of palm oil land. Palm oil is a big player, relied on by millions of people across Indonesia, contributing to 3.5% of their GDP, significantly improving the rural economies. He further stated that in October 2019, the price of Fresh fruit branches (FFP) was USD 0.11 per kilo for smallholders in average, and as of October 2021, the price increased up to USD 0.20 per kilo, thereby positively affecting smallholders allowing them to further implement good agricultural practices.

Burhan spoke of the smallholder program managed by the Government of Indonesia, which provides 30 million rupiah per hectare to smallholders across Indonesia for a replanting program to switch from old palm oil trees to new ones. He mentioned that the benefit of the replanting program is that it is integral towards increasing the implementation of biofuels, which in turn requires an adequate supply of fresh fruit branches (FFB). In a bid to increase domestic palm oil consumption, the Indonesian government’s usage of biodiesel entered the B30 phase in 2018. Currently ‘B30’ absorbs 10 million of CPO, therefore, to reach B40, increased productivity of smallholders is required. Another important agricultural practice Burhan spoke of is followed by smallholders in Indonesia, which is improving the intensification versus the extensification. Intensification has a huge potential to increase palm oil yields by optimizing production and productivity without opening more land for cultivation. Addressing these needs creates a huge opportunity to produce more palm oil through an intensification program.

Also sharing his experience, Azmi Hassan – Deputy President of National Association of Smallholders Malaysia touched on the role of supply and demand in palm oil cultivation contributing towards economic growth.

Hassan explained that the development of palm oil in Malaysia is strongly supported by the government and is based on a policy that helps small holder farmers improve their welfare in turn reducing poverty levels in the country. Smallholders are given a small plot of land as part of an organized model financed by the government allowing them to start palm oil production.

He further mentioned that in order to increase the oil palm yield, good planting material is required for then which you will obtain a good FFB which you can sell to the mill and obtain the maximum oil which in return increases sustainable power production. All smallholders operate under a licensed model which they have to buy from the licensed nursery operator. He highlighted that in Malaysia there are 840 industry operators licensed under MPOB and under the licensing regulation nursery, important legitimacy of land is a requirement.

Sharing his expertise on good agricultural practices, Hassan emphasized on the importance of good fertilizer practice which in turn ensures good agricultural practices. For this, soil conservation needs to be carried out to ensure efficient fertilizer usage thereby reducing soil erosion and sludge deposit in ditches which in return result in water contamination due to pesticides. It is important to use fertilizer recommended procedural agricultural practices to obtain maximum benefit and minimize nutrient loss. Further, in Malaysia, zero manning practices and the policy on those common practices by smaller connected under the national environment act no burning is permitted.

The next webinar organised by CPOPC “Smallholders- Drivers of Prosperity and Sustainabilty” will be held on 14th December 2021 at 3pm CET. The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) aims to continue engaging the palm oil industry to present the importance and benefits brought about by palm oil cultivation, including the empowerment of smallholder farmers and the securing of the livelihoods, thereby reducing poverty by enhancing the national GDP. Highlights of the speeches focused on the development of sustainable palm oil in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the need to provide support for oil palm smallholders from stakeholders which include the Governments of palm oil producing countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. The forum was organized with the intention of sharing the voices of the small holder farmers who are the fundamental players of the palm oil industry, thereby allowing for other countries to adopt such practices.



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AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024

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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.

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Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness

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Kotaro Katsuki, Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan

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.

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HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024

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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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