Business

Neuchatel Estate’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and cultural heritage

Published

1 year ago

2025/05/3

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Kalutara’s lush tropical greenery, Neuchatel Estate remains a timeless tribute to the diversity of Sri Lanka’s plantation heritage. Founded in 1904 by British planter Colin Cowper Mee—who named the estate after his alma mater in Switzerland—Neuchatel quickly emerged as a beacon of progress.

In addition to being a skilled planter, Cowper Mee was also an enthusiastic equestrian, a generous supporter of the Ceylon Turf Club and an influential member of the Ceylon Planters’ Association, whose vision set in motion a legacy that would evolve over decades. Following his death in 1909, the estate passed to his siblings and later transitioned through colonial management, a takeover by Aitken Spence in 1942, government nationalization in 1975, and privatization under Horana Plantations PLC in 1992, which is under Hayleys Group. Even today, 121 years later, this legacy continues to thrive, with even Cowper Mee’s original horse-training tracks having been preserved into the present day.

One of the estate’s significant milestones was its transition from tea to rubber. By 1928, rubber cultivation had expanded significantly in the Kalutara district and Neuchatel dedicated 2,200 acres to the crop. By 1996, tea cultivation ceased entirely, making way for more rubber plantations. A new era began in 2013 when oil palm was introduced as the second-largest crop on the estate, covering 124 hectares.

Today Neuchatel estate stands out as one of Sri Lanka’s most vibrant multi-crop estates spanning 902 hectares and cultivating crops including rubber, oil palm, coconut, and cinnamon, as well as tropical fruits like Rambuttan. In 2018, Neuchatel Estate began diversifying its crops by introducing cinnamon and coconut cultivation. Currently, this diversification spans across the Home Division, Horahena Division, Dikhena Division, Kokhena Division, and Tempo Division, covering a total of 93.00 hectares of coconut and 30.00 hectares of cinnamon. This strategic move has led to the generation of significant new income for the estate.

Innovation and Sustainability in Plantation Management

Neuchatel Estate has smoothly integrated modern technology with traditional practices to ensure long-term sustainability with an emphasis on efficiency and accuracy. The adoption of digital weighing systems, for instance, has replaced outdated methods for measuring latex yield, while advanced production facilities—such as forced air-drying towers and natural drying lofts—enhance product quality.

The estate’s commitment to environmental stewardship is underscored by its compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation Certificate, a first for a plantation in Sri Lanka. Sustainable practices like beekeeping, rainwater harvesting, and soil conservation are actively implemented to preserve the estate’s ecological balance.

Community Welfare and Workforce Development

Neuchatel Estate is more than a plantation; it is a thriving community. With a population of 2,140 and a predominantly a female workforce, the estate has implemented numerous initiatives to boost worker welfare—from revenue-sharing models and work opportunities to mid-day meal provisions and performance recognition programs.

The on-site Neuchatel Estate Hospital, along with regular health camps and educational programs, ensures that the well-being of workers and their families remains a top priority. The estate’s Child Development Center, recognized as one of the best in the region in the recent past, provides critical early childhood education and childcare services, securing a brighter future for the next generation.

A Future-Ready Approach to Sustainable Agriculture

In an era where sustainability is paramount, Neuchatel Estate has embraced innovative agricultural practices to maintain soil fertility and secure water resources. Rainwater harvesting provides a reliable water source for agricultural operations, while soil conservation techniques—especially within Oil Palm plantations—prevent erosion and maintain soil health.

In recent years, the Estate has also sought to build on its legacy as a pioneer in plantation innovation, with the establishment of bee keeping projects across the estate. These remarkable initiatives have enabled improved crop yields from improved pollination, while also generating valuable supplementary income for workers and the communities. Neuchatel Estate exemplifies the perfect blend of history, innovation, and sustainability. As it continues to evolve, the estate upholds its legacy of excellence in Sri Lanka’s Plantation Sector—proving that tradition and progress can coexist.

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Business

PM ‘Rings the Bell’ at CSE to champion financial literacy and investor education

Published

14 hours ago

2026/10/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

P.M. Dr.Harini Amarasuriya

As part of World Investor Week (WIW) 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) joined stock exchanges around the world in ringing the market opening bell for financial literacy on 5 October 2026, under the patronage of Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

World Investor Week is an annual global campaign led by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to raise awareness of the importance of investor education and investor protection. The “Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy” initiative, pioneered by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), brings together stock exchanges and other stakeholders worldwide to promote greater financial literacy and encourage individuals to make informed financial decisions.

The ceremony also marked the 40th anniversary of the CSE and the joint launch by the SEC and the CSE of the Stock Market Game, an online stock market simulation based on the ATrad trading system.

The Stock Market Game enables participants to gain practical experience of how the stock market works, make investment decisions and construct portfolios of listed shares without using real money. The platform is accessible through the websites of the SEC and CSE and is expected to serve as an important practical tool for promoting financial education. It is envisaged that the Stock Market Game will also be used to conduct simulation competitions among universities and the 100 Capital Market Clubs established in schools across the country.

The ceremony also featured the commemorative issuance of a stamp and First Day Cover to mark the 40th anniversary of the CSE. Issued in collaboration with the Department of Posts and the Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka, the commemorative stamp and First Day Cover were presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, by the SEC Chairman Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara and Ray Abeywardena, Director CSE and Chairman of Central Depository Systems (CDS).

Welcoming the gathering, Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the CSE, highlighted the importance of obtaining reliable information when making investment decisions.

“We operate in a digital world where a vast amount of information and data is disseminated through social media. While some of this information is factual, some may be inaccurate or misleading. When investing in the stock market, it is essential to make informed and prudent investment decisions. Therefore, investors should obtain information and data from reliable and responsible sources and persons before making investment decisions.”

Addressing the gathering, SEC Chairman Snr. Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara emphasised that the SEC’s role extends beyond regulation to facilitating the further development of the capital market.

“The SEC needs to determine how best to introduce the stock market to Generation Alpha, Generation Beta and generations beyond. When it comes to investors, we need to build confidence in the market, because people will invest only when they have confidence in the market.’’

Business

Rs. 5 million worth of prizes to be given at 8th edition of CSE Masterminds Quiz Competition

Published

14 hours ago

2026/10/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has announced that the eighth edition of the CSE Masterminds Quiz will be held on 9th October 2026, from 3.00 p.m. onwards, at the Main Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo.

Recognised as Sri Lanka’s premier capital market quiz competition, CSE Masterminds brings together teams from the public and private sectors. Participants will be tested across international business, global markets, current affairs, the Sri Lankan economy and business, the Sri Lankan stock market, and sports and entertainment, before a concluding rapid-fire round.

This year the winning team can win up to Rs. 2,000,000, the runners-up up to Rs. 1,000,000, and the second runners-up Rs. 750,000. Sector awards will also be presented to the highest-performing team from each participating sector. Guest participants will also be able to compete in rounds of Audience questions, and will have the opportunity to participate a raffle draw for three free return tickets provided by Fits Aviation (Pvt) Ltd.

The evening will also include an exclusive after-party with live music provided by the band ‘Doctor’ featuring guest performer Umara Sinhawansa, fine food and beverages, providing an opportunity for networking and celebration. Every participant will receive a premium goodie bag made possible by the support of the event’s sponsorship partners. Collectively, the event will feature over Rs. 5 million worth of prizes, rewards, and giveaways, encompassing championship prizes, sector awards, audience engagement prizes, raffle draw offerings, and goodie bags.

Sponsorship partners include:

Platinum Sponsors: Hatton National Bank PLC and Bartleet Religare Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd.

Gold Sponsors: Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, Asha Securities Ltd., and Lanka Securities (Pvt) Ltd.

Silver Sponsors: Barista Coffee Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Capital Trust Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., LOLC Holdings PLC, Arpico Ataraxia Asset Management (Pvt) Ltd., IronOne Technologies (Pvt) Ltd., and LankaPay (Pvt) Ltd.

Co-Sponsors: Access Engineering PLC, Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, CryptoGen (Pvt) Ltd., Deloitte Lanka (Private) Limited, Dialog Finance PLC, Efutures (Pvt) Ltd., People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, Senfin Asset Management (Pvt) Ltd., and Softlogic Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd.

Business

NCCSL to conduct practical workshop on food labelling and advertising regulations in Sri Lanka

Published

14 hours ago

2026/10/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) is organizing a one-day practical workshop on “Food Labelling & Advertising Regulations in Sri Lanka” on Thursday, 8th October 2026 from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the National Chamber of Commerce, Colombo 10. The workshop has been organised to provide a practical understanding of the latest regulatory requirements governing the food products labelling and advertising of food products in Sri Lanka, with particular attention to regulatory developments applicable in 2026, compliance requirements, and the potential legal and financial implications of non-compliance.

As food products increasingly compete not only with quality and price but also on packaging, labelling and promotional claims, businesses must ensure the information they communicate to consumers is accurate, transparent and consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. Understanding these requirements is therefore essential for businesses seeking to protect their brands, maintain consumer confidence, and minimize regulatory and legal risks.

The practical workshop will go beyond an overview of regulations and focus on how businesses can apply regulatory requirements in their day-to-day operations. Participants will be guided through key areas of food regulatory compliance, including the national food regulatory framework, recent food labelling regulations and key changes, mandatory approvals and prohibitions relating to food labelling, and the litigation process associated with regulatory violations. The programme will also cover several areas of growing importance to the food industry, including the EU EMPCO Directive, food colour coding regulations, regulations relating to food trans-fatty acids and the importance of compliance in the use of food additives. Practical exercises will further enable participants to apply their knowledge to real-world compliance situations and strengthen their ability to identify potential regulatory concerns.

For further information and registration, please contact the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka on 011 4741788 – Nethmi or Udula – 071 403 4775.