Business
Sugarcane cultivation incurring massive environmental and human costs: CEJ
By Ifham Nizam
Analysis of data collected by a Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) research team has revealed a massive loss of forest cover in Sri Lanka, brought about by the acquisition of land for cultivating sugarcane as well as for the establishment of human settlements. The analysis also discloses that waves of human migration had occurred from different parts of the island as a result of the establishment of these sugarcane factories in areas coming within the study.
Key among the research findings is that the destruction of forest cover has led to climatological changes in the areas of study. This is observable in rising temperature levels and anomalies in annual rainfall patterns.
On the other hand, concerns are raised with regard to the disposal of waste generated by the processing of sugarcane, in the form of solid waste and untreated waste-water. Coupled with that is the use of fertilizers for cultivating sugarcane which has been produced using the waste materials.
The objective of this study is to understand the environmental, social and economic impacts the sugarcane industry may have had in the selected districts. To this end, areas surrounding three sugarcane factories, namely, Pelwatte, Sevanagala and Hingurana were selected.
The study gathered information from villagers who are or have been sugarcane farmers or employees at the sugarcane factories, as well as from key informants, such as, Grama Seva officers, wildlife officers, agricultural advisers, environmental activists and other notable individuals in the selected areas, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
The study revealed that the failure to properly dispose of these waste material has led to the contamination of surface and ground water bodies while leading to the pollution of the air, which was evident in the foul stench that pervaded most of these areas. Meanwhile, the use of fertilizers which were manufactured out of sugarcane waste also impacts soil quality, as well as the insects which are essential for the growth of crops.
Another key issue that was raised in this study is the contribution of sugarcane cultivation to the aggravation of the human-elephant conflict in the selected areas. It was observed that most of the land acquisitions for cultivating sugarcane have been carried out with less regard for elephant pathways.
The study could also identify some health impacts the sugarcane industry may have on the inhabitants of these areas. These impacts include kidney diseases, due to water pollution, skin diseases and the aggravation of asthmatic conditions.
The study also noted some socio-economic outcomes of the sugarcane industry. It was observed that sugarcane has helped improve the basic living conditions of the farmers while providing them a steady income in adverse times, such as, the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it was also revealed that there is a heavy dependence of the sugarcane farmers on sugarcane farming and factories which makes them economically less independent.
The study has recorded some incidents of strife between the unions of the sugarcane farmers and the factory management in areas, such as, Hingurana. Finally, this study also outlines some of the adverse outcomes sugarcane farming can have on the cultivation of other crops, such as, paddy, which range from reduction of soil quality to drying up of water resources.
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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