Business
Tea export earnings up by 6% in Jan. ‘21 over same period last year
by Steve A. Morrell
Asia Siyaka Tea Brokers said in their weekly market report that Rs. 19.2 billion earned from tea exports in January 2021 was a healthy indicator, which reflected a six per cent increase over the corresponding month in 2020.
In January 2020, tea export earnings were Rs. 18 billion (US$ 101 million).
The Sri Lanka Tea Board said production in January 2021 was 23 million kilos, a year-on-year increase in comparison to 21. 9 million kilos in January 2020.
Planters in Maskeliya attributed the enhanced production to continuous growing weather conditions through January, leading to a crop upsurge resulting in positive results for the industry.
The Asia Siyaka Tea Brokers report further said in the low grown sector, comprising mainly tea smallholders, year-on-year, gain was 14. 9 million kilos, which contributed to the positive results. Western and mid grown results, although positive, were not as high as low growns.
Turkey was the biggest importer of Ceylon Tea at 3.8 million kilos. Russia, Iraq and China, the report said, increased their buying at about 80 percent of the total market.
In addition, shipments were also recorded to select European markets and to the US. Such exports were described as minimal, but significant because of the possibility of increasing market conditions to these countries was a further indicator that Ceylon Tea was a positive brand.
Tea market sources said buyers in Germany, who considered Ceylon Tea as a recognized brand, laid more emphasis on Darjeelings and teas from Kenya, which were now in the preferred category.
Sri Lanka should ramp up its marketing campaign, the source suggested.
Pakistan which was one of Sri Lanka’s major buyers has now switched to Kenya. Ceylon Tea to Pakistan was barely two percent.
The tea smallholder sector in Sri Lanka continues to contribute around 75 percent of the production to the industry. There are around 400,000 smallholders who continue to contribute a major slice to the industry.
The tea garden marks, which scored top prices were New Withanakanda and Geekiynakanda. From the low growns. good results were also recorded from Somerset and Venture.
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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