Business
Rupee devaluation, high shipping rates hurt tea prices at Colombo auctions
by Steve A. Morrell
The Sri Lankan rupee weakening against the US dollar coupled with surging shipping rates reflected adversely on tea prices at the Colombo auctions.
This contributed to regressive price trends in Colombo, Forbes & Walker (F&W) said in its weekly Tea Market report.
The average for April 2021 was Rs. 627. 41 in comparison to Rs. 689.18 the corresponding month in 2020, indicating a minus variant Rs. 61. 77.
Brokering sources collectively said such price trends could result in negative market conditions seriously affecting profits at producer levels.
The depreciation of currencies in importer countries also contributed to depleting prices in Colombo apart from other allied trading disruptions, they said.
Commenting on the National auction average for April 2021, JKH Tea Brokers warned that the declining trend caused by the fall of the rupee against the dollar would trigger further minuses that could be foreseen at future auctions as well.
They said all elevations showed minus variances with low growns recording a higher minus variance of Rs. 93.43 per kilo.
Nevertheless, commenting on positive results for flowery grades at last week’s auctions, they said these grades fetched prices ranging from Rs. 2,300 to Rs. 3,000. per kilo. Quantities, although relatively small, impacted on the overall prices for the week.
The better known garden marks in the Uva High catalogue showed quality trends setting in with prices of Rs. 800 or more. Some Nuwara Eliya garden marks as well were in the Rs. 950 range of the price table.
Comparing production in most tea producing countries, China, India and Kenya were among the first three in production position in the world. Sri Lanka, producing 278.7 million kilos, was fourth in line.
Tip world producers include Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Malawi, Uganda, and Tanzania, apart from Argentina supplying Tea to the US market.
Sri Lanka also exports to the US market but in irregular quantities.
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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