Business
Unilever Sri Lanka and Ministry of Agriculture & Plantation Industries sign MOU on sustainable tea production
Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries and Unilever Sri Lanka recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the country’s first national and globally accepted standard for sustainable tea production. This first-of-its-kind initiative signifies a shared commitment to propel the Sri Lankan tea industry towards a more sustainable and ethical future.
The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Honourable Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mr. B. L. A. J. Dharmakeerthi, Secretary, the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Chairman & Representatives of Sri Lanka Tea Board and other tea industry dignitaries.
Unilever Sri Lanka’s ‘Ceytea’ factory is the largest supplier of black tea extract to the Global Pepsi-Lipton JV and its world-famous Iced Tea brands ‘Lipton’ and ‘Brisk’. The manufacturing site in ‘Agarapathana’ has been at the center stage of innovation and sustainability in value-added tea.
Damith Abeyratne, Supply Chain Director at Unilever Sri Lanka said, “Unilever Ceytea factory in Agarapathana is the largest supplier of black tea extract to the Global Pepsi-Lipton JV. This collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries is a significant step forward in our efforts to drive sustainable sourcing of agricultural raw materials under the Unilever Climate Action Transition Plan. The initiative positively benefits ‘Ceylon Tea’ because today’s global demand is for sustainably farmed agricultural produce.”
Further commenting on this partnership, B.L.A.J. Dharmakeerthi, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, stated, “The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries is delighted to join forces with Unilever Sri Lanka in this public-private partnership. This MoU represents a crucial step towards strengthening the Ceylon Tea industry’s global competitiveness. By implementing these comprehensive measures, we aim to solidify Sri Lanka’s reputation as a global leader in ethical and sustainable tea production.”
Sri Lanka is among the top five tea exporters globally. This Standard will address three key areas: minimizing environmental impact through regenerative and deforestation-free agriculture, ensuring fair and respectful treatment for all tea industry workers through ethical workplace practices, and guaranteeing the safety and quality of Sri Lankan tea through rigorous testing and monitoring procedures
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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