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Baurs facilitates Swiss experts’ visit to assist SL’s efforts towards organic agriculture

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Seen here is Baurs MD/CEO Rolf Blaser and Deputy MD/Director Agriculture Janaka Gunasekera along with the expert team at the Ministry of Agriculture

In its continuous efforts to share scientific and practical solutions in enabling a successful conversion from conventional to organic farming, A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd., also known as Baurs, a name synonymous with pioneering the agriculture landscape in the country, recently facilitated a team of organic agri experts from Switzerland who revisited Sri Lanka during early-February.

The team included Prof. Christoph Studer, Professor of Natural Resources Management at the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL), Dr. Jacques G Fuchs, Senior Scientist in Plant Pathology and Soil Quality and Paul van den Berge, Senior Consultant from the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL).

The revisit marks the second phase of the comprehensive study, followed by an in-depth analysis and evaluation completed in August last year when the team was on a 10-day visit conducting preliminary studies including meeting with diverse stakeholders to understand the agri ecosystem. This time around the purpose was to further study the strategically identified potential areas based on the initial findings.

During their 9-day visit, the experts held discussions with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture to comprehend the Government’s current standing on its green agriculture policy and visited key institutions such as Rice Research & Development Institute (RRDI), Field Crop Research & Development Institute (FCRDI), Farm Mechanization Research Centre (FMRC), University of Peradeniya Faculty of Agriculture Sub Campus in Mahailluppallama as well as Tea Research Institute (TRI) to study their involvement and future initiatives steered towards this direction.

This also included discussions with officials at the Field Crop Research and Development Institute (FCRDI) and academia to explore possibilities of intercropping leguminous crops in between two paddy seasons as a sandwich crop. The experts visited the Municipality Council of Nuwara Eliya to study the waste management process of outstation cities. The Council members led by Mayor, shared the process and experience on waste management of Nuwara Eliya city. They also visited the largest vegetables and fruits wholesale market in Dambulla, a leading local dairy producer, a private poultry farm, and composting site in Chilaw to observe and study the availability of raw materials for organic farming input production.

As part of the collaboration of Baurs with FiBL and HAFL, Jacques Kohli who is a graduate from the Bern University of Applied Sciences is working with Baurs as an intern in carrying out a detailed study on the availability of raw materials for organic fertilizer production and their potential uses.

They also met with officials from the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) and a bio fertilizer manufacturer to understand their stand on governments’ direction and seek possible collaborations, including discussions with policy makers such as Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) and National Plant Quarantine Service.

Further, they also visited Umandawa Global Buddhist Village in Kurunegala and farm fields in Dambulla and Nuwara Eliya and the Idalgashinna organic tea garden to observe and study the agri practices and ecosystem. The experts conducted training sessions to farmers as a continuation of the trainings in their initial visit to better understand and solve issues faced by farmers in organic farming, and also initiated a knowledge sharing session for senior managers and marketing team of Baurs.



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Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index

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The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the following change in S&P Sri Lanka 20 index constituents made by S&P Dow Jones Indices at the 2026 Mid-Year rebalance.

The exclusion and inclusion as announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective from 22nd June 2026 (after the market close of 19th June 2026) are presented below.

The S&P SL 20 index includes the 20 largest companies, by total market capitalization, listed on the CSE that meet minimum size, liquidity and financial viability thresholds. The constituents are weighted by float-adjusted market capitalization, subject to a single stock cap of 15%, which is employed to reduce single stock concentration.

The S&P SL 20 index has been designed in accordance with international practices and standards. All stocks are classified according to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®), which was co-developed by S&P Dow Jones Indices and MCSI and is widely used by market participants throughout the world.

To be eligible for inclusion, a stock must have a minimum float-adjusted market capitalization of 500 million Sri Lankan rupees (Rs), a six-month median daily value traded of Rs 0.25 million and have positive net income over the 12 months prior to the rebalancing reference date. For information, including the complete methodology, please visit: www.spindices.com

Effective from 22nd June 2026 the stocks in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 in alphabetical order are as above.

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Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus

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Teejay Lanka Chairman Ajit Gunewardene and CEO Pubudu De Silva

The Teejay Group recorded revenue of LKR 60.04 billion during the period, reflecting a 10% year-on-year decline, primarily due to continued softness in global textile demand. This performance was largely impacted by reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, intensified pricing pressures across key markets, and the resulting decline in volumes, all of which collectively weighed on topline growth.

Group Gross Profit declined by 36% year-on-year to LKR 5.02 billion, mainly attributable to lower production volumes, underutilization of plant capacity, sustained pricing pressures, and an unfavorable product mix. Together, these factors adversely affected margin performance amid a challenging operating environment.

The Group reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 54.7 million, representing a 98% year-on-year decline. This was primarily driven by higher rupee-denominated costs and non-recurring items, provision for doubtful debts, and restructuring costs associated with right-sizing initiatives.

Ajit Gunewardene, Chairman of the Teejay Group said, “The year was marked by persistent global demand softness and pricing pressures, which impacted results. Despite this, we focused on operational efficiency, cost discipline, and strengthening our financial resilience. These actions position the Group to navigate ongoing uncertainty while remaining committed to long-term value creation for our shareholders.”

Despite these near-term challenges, the Teejay Group continues to maintain a strong financial position, supported by disciplined working capital management and a robust liquidity base. As at 31 March 2026, cash and cash equivalents stood at LKR 8.3 billion, while the Group’s net asset base increased by 3% year-on-year to LKR 32.4 billion, reinforcing the resilience of its balance sheet.

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Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit

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Fairfirst Insurance has once again partnered with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit, continuing its support for the seventh consecutive year. This partnership reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the community.

Through this initiative, Fairfirst will provide comprehensive insurance coverage for the highly trained canines attached to the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit. These dogs play a critical role in supporting police operations across the country, assisting with crime detection, narcotics investigations, search and rescue missions, and public safety efforts.

As a company that believes business should create a meaningful impact beyond insurance, Fairfirst remains committed to initiatives that support communities and recognise the vital contributions of those who help keep society safe. This shared commitment to protection and responsibility continues to drive the company’s long-standing partnership with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit.

Commenting on the continued partnership, Ravishankar Wickneswaran, CEO of Fairfirst Insurance, said, “It is a privilege for us to continue supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit for the seventh consecutive year. These dogs serve the country with incredible discipline and loyalty, often in challenging situations. Supporting their wellbeing is one small way for us to give back, and it reflects the FairfirstWay of standing by those who protect and serve our communities every day.”

Fairfirst looks forward to continuing this partnership and contributing to the wellbeing of the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit in the years ahead.

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