Business
Government support for value added Ceylon Tea
By Steve a. Morrell
Government support will be extended to the tea industry to enhance the Ceylon Tea brand. Efforts at value addition to local teas, alongside research and manufacture of tea by products will also be encouraged, Minister of Plantation Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirane said. He was addressing the 126th AGM of the Colombo Tea Traders Association recently as Chief Guest.
However, the Minister was intensely critical that some tea factory owners were involved in the dubious practice of adulteration of tea in their factories. He said the President, being personally aware of this questionable practice, warned such persons that strong deterrent action will be taken to arrest such practices that seriously affect the prestige of the Ceylon Tea brand.
‘However development of the tea trade includes all aspects of marketing. Tea in a major contributor to foreign exchange. It was also of concern that Ceylon Tea was the most outstanding tea producer in the world in terms of volume in the 1930s but had now slipped to being the 6th largest producer of the product. We must regain our top slot position in production. Replanting should be increased along with provision of technology to achieve these goals. The President, being aware of the importance of the industry to the economy of the country said support to improve Ceylon Tea in all its aspects would be forthcoming, the minister said.
State Minister, Company Estate Reforms / Tea Estate Related Crops, Tea Factory Modernization and Tea Export Promotion Kanaka Herath said modernization of the tea industry is imperative. Value addition would also be vital to the industry’s future.
Chairman CTTA, Jayantha Karunaratne, in his annual report said the tradition of conducting the Colombo Tea Auctions over the past 125 years through an outcry system in the sales rooms of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce commenced in 1894.
‘Since then the auction continued until restrictions were imposed by the COVID 19 pandemic. This necessitated the introduction of an e- auction system to ensure that there would not be any interruption to the movement and export of tea. The tea industry in all its sections from producers, brokers to shippers, was united in its endeavors to ensure there was no breakdown that could stifle normal functions in the industry, the chairman added.
‘The ‘Ceylon Tea Road Map’ initiative with the Ministry of Plantation Industries would ensure effective progress of the industry to produce 350 million tea kilos over the next 10 years, resulting in the industry earning 3 billion dollars. Also such progress would include benefits to smallholders and workers on the plantations, he said.
Chairman, Tea Board, Jayampathy Molligida said Tea prices at the Colombo auctions were stable and on the increase. He commended the CTTA for their leadership to ensure the Ceylon Tea brand would continue with its positive trends.
President, Asia Siyaka Tea Brokers Anil Cooke also spoke.
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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