Business
Tea production to get into top gear as fertilizer usage issues come to the fore
by Ifham Nizam
The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries is taking prompt action to increase tea production this year, in the wake of a request to that effect by the Ceylon Tea Board.
The Ceylon Tea Board had stressed that to get a proper yield from tea cultivation, fertilizer should be applied properly. However, due to some tea growers not applying fertilizer, tea plantations do not get a proper yield, tea industry sources said.
Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera recently decided to provide the fertilizer required for tea cultivation through two state fertilizer companies; Colombo Commercial Fertilizer Company and Ceylon Fertilizer Company.
To date, the Ceylon Tea Board had given loans to tea growers to purchase the fertilizers required for tea cultivation from the private sector and the tea growers had to pay a higher price as a result, Amaraweera said.
The minister also said that it was reported that some tea growers use the money provided for the buying of fertilizer for other purposes.Meanwhile, informed sources said that the annual fertilizer requirement for tea cultivation in Sri Lanka is 40,000 metric tons. The amount spent on it is around Rs. 6800 million.
A discussion regarding these issues was held recently at the Ministry of Plantation Industries under the patronage of Minister Amaraweera and a group of officials, including the Secretary to the ministry Janaka Dharmakeerthi. Chairman of the Ceylon Tea Board Jayantha Edirisinghe also took part in the discussion.
Amaraweera had instructed all sectors related to the tea industry to take steps to make the B-60 policy, which is implemented to ensure the quality of tea produced in Sri Lanka, compulsory from this week.
The B-60 policy lays down that at least 60 percent of the leaves used to produce tea must be of high quality.
The minister also discussed the next steps to be taken to ensure the quality of Sri Lankan tea with all the stakeholders in the tea industry. The Tea Development Authority, Tea Small Holdings Development Authority, Tea Research Institute, Tea Suppliers Association and Tea Manufacturers Association featured in the talks.
Amaraweera explained that Sri Lanka tea took the world by storm a few decades ago but due to the activities of some businessmen, the brand is facing a serious crisis.
‘Consequently, project B-60 was initiated to ensure the high quality of tea leaves to restore the recognition Sri Lankan tea had been receiving in the international market, he explained.
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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