Business
Bread, buns, Parata and Koththu to cost more
Wheat flour over Rs.360/- per kilogramme
By Claude Gunasekera
A heavy shortage of wheat flour is experienced all over the country, including at Sathosa & Co-operative outlets, and the retail price is increased overnight in Colombo. Wheat flour is now sold at Rs.360/- per kilogram, while branded 1 kg packs remain at the same price, around Rs.400/-. Sathosa sells 1kg branded packs at Rs.375/- and most supermarkets sells a Prima branded 1kg pack at Rs. 415/-. Meanwhile, some bakery owners and street hotel owners cautioned that they would be compelled to increase the price of bread and other bakery products, including Parata & Koththu roti, if they are to buy wheat flour at the increased price.
The two major companies engaged in the business of wheat flour; Prima Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd and Serendib Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd confirmed they have not increased prices. They said their wholesale prices remain as earlier and the retail price recommended by both companies is around Rs.280/- per kg, although there is no government-initiated controlled price. However, both companies are not fulfilling even 60% of the market demand, thus, providing space for other imported brands to fill the gap. Prior to the dollar crisis Prima had been catering to about 75% and Serendib about 25% of the market. Both companies are bound to restrict their production, given the constraints regarding foreign currency to import grain.
Meanwhile, it was observed that both wheat flour giants are seriously concerned about their industrial supplies, in addition to the overall short supply. This could lead to a scarcity in the general consumer trade segment. Some traders have taken this cavity as an opportunity to import wheat flour and play an irrational pricing game in the trade. In between it was also observed that certain retailers who buy from Prima and Serendib sell at a higher price.
Consumers said that they are compelled to buy at the prevailing price since their need is urgent, but complained that the Government Consumer Protection Authority has to take action to control price increases. A Prima distributor said they sell 50kg bulk wheat flour at Rs.13,500/- to wholesalers. Other importers have no fixed wholesale price but they sell at various prices with the final price being fixed by themselves at Rs. 360/-.
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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