Business
State owned Kalubowitiyana Tea soars to new heights
Record profits and record prices paid to tea smallholders
Incorporated on the 30th of September in 1992 as a public company fully owned by the government of Sri Lanka, Kalubowitiyana Tea Factory Ltd (KTFL) operates four tea factories which directly contribute to the national grid. The main factory located in Kalubowitiyana produces the record setting low grown CTC tea while the other three factories produce Orthodox tea. The four factories located in Kalubowitiyana and Derangala in the Matara District, Hiniduma Hills in the Galle District and Menikdiwela in the Kandy District are committed to enriching the lives of over 4,000 tea smallholders, while supporting the livelihoods of over 350 employees. This economic benefit and stability that KTFL provides to 10,000+ people, is no small feat given the severe economic difficulties facing the country today.
Steeped in the concerns of recent operational challenges, Kalubowitiyana Tea has steered masterfully through the volatility to achieve the remarkable feat of closing their first quarter of 2022 with a revenue of Rs. 583 million and a net profit of Rs. 222 million. Mr. Aminda Rodrigo, Chairman of Kalubowitiyana Tea, confirmed that the company has recorded the all time highest price for low grown CTC tea at more than a staggering 50% of the twelve auctions held so far, peaking at a selling price of Rs. 3250 in the current financial year, which is a testament to the hard work of the management and employees operating KTFL, the flagship factory of the organization, and the premium quality of the tea, proudly produced in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, in July of 2022, the company was proud to offer the tea small holders that supply the award winning grades of low grown CTC tea, with a record breaking compensation of Rs. 434.82 per kilo.
Plantation Minister, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana stated that profits are often an indication of strong leadership and Kalubowitiyana Tea has the privilege of operating under a transparent process of governing which aims to build a legacy appointed through ethical business practices that encourage growth and sustained stability. As a representative of a proud tea nation, Kalubowitiyana tea is committed to maintaining the gold standards of their business to honour the symbol of quality that is pure Ceylon Tea.
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
