Business
Coconut Development Authority rejects media reports on ‘toxic’ coconut oil in the market
by Sanath Nanayakkare
All coconut oil stocks imported to the country are subjected to stringent quality checks by the Coconut Development Authority (CDA), the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) and the Ministry of Health, therefore, there’s no room for any imported coconut oil with toxic substances to enter the Sri Lankan market, CDA Chairman Keerthi Sri Weerasinghe told The Island Financial Review (IFR) yesterday.
He said so when the IFR spoke to him in the wake of several media reports that imported coconut oil containing Aflatoxins have found their way to the shelves of supermarkets and grocery stores in the country.
“We have a stringent process for checking the quality of imported coconut oil and only if the government stipulated criteria is met, we allow imported coconut oil to be brought into the country beyond the Port of Colombo. So we categorically deny these unfounded reports that may have caused a sense of undue fear in consumers,” he said.
Further speaking he said: “If we find any coconut oil stock that doesn’t meet our standards, we take immediate action to re-export or repatriate it. Even the stocks that are found to be non-toxic don’t directly go to the consumer. These goods first go to the refinery before going to the market. and once they are refined only, they are authorized to be sold.”
“At the refinery, all imported coconut oil stocks are subjected to a physical RBD process, meaning it is Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized to remove any contaminants. It is a physical process entirely without any chemical treatments. The Aflatoxin level of coconut oil gets to zero after this meticulous RBD process. Furthermore, only trace amounts of fatty acids are left after this refining process, enhancing the nutritional value of the coconut oil,” he explained.
“I can assure consumers as chairman of the CDA that RBD oil can be consumed without any fear or concern though it can cost a bit more than other varieties they find in the market. It is no secret that some local mills use copra with fungus to extract coconut oil. The perishable copra is dried outdoors but there is no proper cleaning of the fungi before the oil is extracted. These mills don’t refine, bleach or deodarize their products nor do they bother about toxic substances or fatty acids and they tend to sell their goods on the outskirts of cities. Most of these nefarious trade practices take place outside of Colombo.”
When asked about coconut oil imports to the country, he said,” Coconut yield is not always the same year-round. There is a good yield season and a not so good season. So we have given permission to import coconut oil. We import about 200, 000 tonnes which is 80% of our total coconut oil requirement. The import tax varies according to available local yields to strike a balance between imports and consumer prices. Also, we have to be mindful of having enough coconuts going round for manufacturers of coconut-based products. Otherwise their cost of production will go up and their export businesses will have a negative impact. So it’s a careful balancing act between having enough coconut oil and coconuts for consumers and leaving enough coconuts for industrialists for their business activities while at the same time making sure that no toxic or substandard coconut oil enters our market,” he 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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