Business
AIA Sri Lanka sets new benchmarks in workplace culture
AIA Sri Lanka sets new benchmarks in workplace culture – winning Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka for the 12th year, Best Workplaces for Women and Young Talent, winner of the Wellbeing Champions and Sri Lanka’s Happiest Workplace in the life insurance industry.
AIA Sri Lanka continues to redefine the standard for workplace excellence in Sri Lanka, celebrating a remarkable series of wins that affirm its standing as a leading employer and a company that prioritises the happiness and wellbeing of its employees. AIA has been honoured as one of Sri Lanka’s Best Workplaces by Great Place To Work®, making it the only life insurer to achieve this recognition for 12 consecutive years. This historic milestone comes alongside several other prestigious awards, including the Best Workplaces for Women for the 7th consecutive year, Best Workplaces for Young Talent and the prestigious Wellbeing Champions award. AIA was also recognised as the Happiest Workplace in the life insurance industry award by LMD and PepperCube Consultants.
These accolades underscore AIA’s unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace culture that inspires, supports and celebrates its employees, creating an environment where happiness is at the heart of everything the company does. Recognised both internally by employees and externally by industry peers, AIA stands out as a beacon of corporate culture where innovation, inclusion and collaboration thrive.
The Great Place to Work® recognitions determined by direct feedback from AIA’s own employees speak to the company’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and motivated. Meanwhile, the Happiest Workplace award, given by industry peers through LMD and PepperCube Consultants’ surveys, further highlights the broader impact of AIA’s culture, one that resonates beyond the walls of the organisation. This external acknowledgment is a testament to the positive and inspiring atmosphere AIA has built for its people, a place where happiness is more than a byproduct; it’s an integral part of the company’s philosophy.
“AIA’s achievements at the Great Place To Work® awards are a reflection of our ‘people-first’ approach, which has been a cornerstone of our corporate philosophy. We believe that when our employees are happy, their excellence is amplified, leading to remarkable service and results for our customers,” said Thushari Perera, Director HR. “To be celebrated not only by our employees but also by our industry peers as Sri Lanka’s Happiest Workplace is an incredible honour and a powerful affirmation of our commitment to nurturing a workplace where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.”
In addition to being a great place to work overall, AIA’s recognitions as a Best Workplace for Women and Young Talent highlight the company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. These awards emphasize AIA’s dedication to supporting women in the workplace and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders. By fostering an inclusive environment, AIA provides a space where each individual, regardless of gender or age, can thrive and achieve their full potential. “Our efforts to empower women and young talent are grounded in our belief that diversity strengthens our team and fuels our success. We are proud of the strides we have made to create a level playing field where everyone, from seasoned professionals to young graduates, can grow and excel,” said Thushari Perera, Director HR.
At AIA, happiness and fulfilment are central to the employee experience. The company’s dynamic work culture is designed to encourage collaboration, spark creativity and build lasting camaraderie among team members. Initiatives that support personal growth, work-life balance and open communication have created a workplace where employees feel empowered to bring their best selves to work each day. In addition, AIA’s programmes prioritize health and wellbeing, recognizing the holistic nature of employee satisfaction. This approach, which addresses both the physical and mental wellness dimensions of employees’ lives, has been integral to AIA’s ongoing success as a Best Workplace in Sri Lanka and as a company that truly values the happiness and wellbeing of its people.
With these awards, AIA Sri Lanka reaffirms its place as an industry leader in workplace excellence, setting new standards that inspire other organisations in Sri Lanka and across the region. By consistently achieving these honours, AIA demonstrates its deep-rooted commitment to a positive workplace environment that is both productive and joyful, a place where every individual feels supported, appreciated and encouraged to excel.
Looking to the future, AIA Sri Lanka remains committed to building on this legacy of excellence and continuing its mission to be a workplace where happiness fuels success.
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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