Business
Dialog Axiata connects Sri Lanka and Maldives with high speed submarine cable
Dialog Axiata PLC (“Dialog”), announced the commissioning of the Maldives Sri Lanka Cable system (MSC), enabling the delivery of high-speed broadband services. Dialog’s investment in the new high-speed submarine cable will trigger the single largest infusion of International Bandwidth between Sri Lanka and Maldives to date.
The 840km long international submarine fiber optic cable system provides high-speed, low latency connectivity between Hulhumale in the Republic of Maldives and Mount Lavinia in Sri Lanka. The collaborative efforts of Dialog together with its international consortium partners Ooredoo and Dhiraagu of Maldives together with the supplier HMN were critical in achieving the rapid system design and implementation during this period of challenging logistics and restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MSC system is the second investment of its kind by Dialog, which follows its investment in the BBG cable (Bay of Bengal Gateway), offering high speed connectivity along with low latency between the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and South-East Asia, and was one of the first fiber cable systems to be lit at 100G, linking Sri Lanka and the region. This project was conducted under the aegis of Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), Ministry of Defense (MOD), Sri Lanka Navy, Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department (CC&CRMD), Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI), Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) and other relevant regulatory authorities.
Commenting on the occasion, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “We are pleased to have completed this project with our international consortium partners Ooredoo and Dhiraagu together with HMN in record time amidst the challenges of the pandemic. We are honoured and proud to witness the enhanced telecommunication infrastructure of Sri Lanka acting as a regional gateway in international communications. Our gratitude goes to all the regulatory authorities for supporting the successful completion of this project, in our shared vision of establishing Sri Lanka as a trusted regional hub.”
“We are very pleased with HMN Tech’s performance to ensure timely delivery of the project. The MSC system will facilitate the growing demand for internet in the Maldives, while increasing our submarine cable network reliability by providing route diversity. The system also caters for additional capacity required to enhance the digital ecosystem and provide modern digital services,” stated Ismail Rasheed, CEO and Managing Director of Dhiraagu.
“Our close partnership and cooperation between all MSC consortium members and HMN Tech has achieved a timely system completion,” said Najib Khan, Managing Director & CEO of Ooredoo Maldives PLC. “The system further enhances our submarine network infrastructure to support the increasing communication needs of customers and power key digital innovations in the 5G era. This benefits all regional enterprises and consumers.”
“We are honoured to be supported by our customers to deliver this important regional network. Our innovative products and network solutions continues to provide commercial value to our customers,” stated Ma Yanfeng, VP Sales & Marketing. “HMN Tech is committed to supporting worldwide digital transformation through leading technologies and effective system engineering and deployment.”
(Dialog)
In a world where every strong cuppa tells a unique story, Sri Lanka’s famed Ceylon Tea continues to carve its legacy – one cup at a time. The latest tea export figures for March 2025 reveal a tale of resilience, with total shipments rising to 23.43 million kilograms, up from 21.25 million kgs the previous year.
But the real headline is; Libya’s staggering 416% surge in Ceylon Tea imports – marking a bold new chapter in Sri Lanka’s tea trade. While traditional markets like Iraq and Russia held steady, Libya emerged as the ‘breakout star’, importing 5.31 million kgs in the first quarter of 2025 – a jaw-dropping leap from just 1.03 million kgs in 2024.
This explosive growth signals a burgeoning demand for Sri Lanka’s premium leaves in North Africa, where the rich, aromatic flavors of Ceylon Tea are winning hearts and palates.
Quadrupling Libya’s appetite for Ceylon Tea even in challenging global markets, is reflecting the fact that Sri Lanka’s tea can find loyal fans in evolving markets.
However, while the export values shine in USD terms, the rupee value of tea exports dipped slightly – a stark reminder of currency fluctuations impacting export earnings. Yet, the broader trend remains positive for Ceylon Tea, with cumulative exports for Q1 2025 reaching 63.21 million kgs, up from 62.33 million kgs last year.
Key markets like Iraq (+7%) and Chile (+41%) showed strong growth, while Russia and the UAE saw mild declines. Meanwhile, Tea Bags and Instant Tea have posted gains even in rupee terms – marking a bright spot in an otherwise mixed landscape, where Tea in Bulk and Green Tea segments have witnessed a decline against the same period of the previous year.
On the production front, tea production for the month of March 2025 totalled 24.43 M/Kgs, showing an increase of 4.86 M/Kgs vis-à-vis 19.57 M/Kgs of March 2024. All elevations showed an increase in comparison with the corresponding month of 2024.
“As Sri Lanka’s tea industry navigates global headwinds, the increase in production and Libya’s soaring demand could offer a breather,” analysts said.
(Source: Forbes & Walker Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka Customs, Central Bank of Sri Lanka)
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Photo Credit: Sri Lanka Executive Aviation Services
In a groundbreaking collaboration set to transform Sri Lanka’s premium coffee landscape, Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.
This exclusive partnership presents a rare opportunity for coffee aficionados to experience firsthand why DeLonghi has become synonymous with coffee perfection worldwide.
With a heritage spanning over 100 years, DeLonghi proudly holds the title as the number one coffee machine brand in more than 46 countries, celebrated globally for its exceptional quality, innovation, and unrivaled Italian craftsmanship. Fits Retail’s collaboration with Abans PLC brings these legendary machines directly to Sri Lankan coffee enthusiasts, creating immersive experience zones designed to elevate everyday coffee moments into extraordinary rituals.
At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide.
Business
Ceyline Group and Lion Brewery Forge a Sustainable Future with Eco-Friendly Warehousing and Distribution.
Ceyline Total Solutions, the end-to-end logistic solutions provider of Sri Lanka’s leading maritime and logistics group Ceyline, has built Lion Brewery’s first sustainability-focused warehousing and distribution center in just 100 days.
Located in Tangalle, the facility reflects a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Half of the structure is made from repurposed shipping containers, reducing both waste and carbon emissions. The project, executed by Ceyline’s brand for sustainable living spaces “Out of the Box” features interior fittings made from recycled and reused brewery waste materials, maximizing sustainability and cost efficiency. Ceyline also has already applied for CEB approval to install solar power for the facility to ensure its operation is powered by clean and green energy.
Lion Brewery will further its mission for an efficient and eco-friendly supply chain by incorporating elements such as electric forklifts, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient lighting.
This collaboration not only delivers a pioneering green logistics facility but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable warehousing in Sri Lanka. It showcases the power of collaborative innovation in driving responsible industrial development.
Kaveen Gayathma, Senior Vice President (Outbound Logistics) of Lion Brewery, added, “This project further strengthens our distinctive ‘route-to-market’ approach. Our collective efforts in conceptualizing,
drafting, and crafting have culminated in the creation of a truly one-of-a-kind model. The company’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability is clearly demonstrated here, all while achieving our strategic objectives in a practical and cost-effective manner.”
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