Business
Transforming tobacco farming in Sri Lanka: A value chain analysis
A new publication from the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) finds strong evidence that tobacco farming is not a particularly lucrative enterprise for most smallholder tobacco farmers in Sri Lanka. The study notes that tobacco farmers can earn better profits from cultivating other crops like chilli, brinjal, carrot, bitter gourd, cabbage and big onion. The IPS study examines the potential for transforming tobacco farming through possible alternative cropping strategies in Sri Lanka. As such, the findings of this study will be of particular relevance to policymakers in Sri Lanka in their efforts and strategies on shifting farmers away from tobacco production to more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable crops.
The latest IPS publication, ‘Transforming Tobacco Farming in Sri Lanka: A Value Chain Analysis’, is authored by Nimesha Dissanayaka, Dilani Hirimuthugodage and Dr Manoj Thibbotuwawa. As part of a drive to reduce tobacco usage, the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) declared in 2017 that tobacco farming would be banned in the country by the end of 2020 and initiated a program to convert tobacco farmers to alternative crops. However, the timeline for the ban has already lapsed without desired outputs. Although the GOSL presently monitors tobacco cultivation, it does not support tobacco production as similar to the other crops cultivated in Sri Lanka. The latest statistics indicate a significant decline in both the tobacco cultivated area and production, leaving only 1,142 hectares, a mere 0.04 per cent of agricultural land and a production of 9,224 MT in 2020. Thus, this research explored the possibilities of transforming tobacco farming in Sri Lanka using secondary and primary data from a sample survey. The study finds several crucial features of tobacco farming that should help policymakers better evaluate any potential of transforming into alternative cropping strategies.
The study presents the following recommendations, which are based on a four-element framework- identifying alternatives, enhancing productivity, facilitating commercialisation, and strengthening policy:
The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) should be deployed to determine the suitability of identified alternatives considering production, marketing, commercialisation, and policy potential.
New technologies that have the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and income and to build the resilience of farmers should be developed and applied through timely and reliable extension services.
Investments should align with inclusive business models and value chains such as Public-Private-Producer-Partnerships (4Ps) to facilitate commercialisation. Further, the farmer organisations could be strengthened to involve in agriculture marketing and build linkages with modern value chains.
Strengthening the policy framework to create an enabling environment for these new livelihoods and business strategies through targeted policy and resilience-building action is vital. These include developing the rural agricultural financial markets and financial literacy of farmers that can further incentivise small farmers.
The authors note that these supply-side measures could be complemented with demand-side measures to disincentivise the manufacturers, such as laws, penalties and taxes to prevent existing non-tobacco farmers from joining the industry. They further stressed that continuing price increases through tobacco taxation should be adopted with greater awareness creation.
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
