Business
CICT rewards its champions at South Asia’s first quay crane operators’ competition
Presents 39 awards and cash prizes worth Rs 2.45 million after competition covering speed, accuracy, efficiency, and safety
Six years after he began operating a Mega Gantry Quay Crane at the South Terminal of the Port of Colombo, Chathuranga Pushpakumara was adjudged the champion quay crane operator at Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT), winning the first competition of its kind in South Asia.
Pushpakumara, 29, from Attanagalla, Gampaha, was among 30 exceptionally-skilled quay crane operators recognised by CICT with 39 awards and cash prizes totalling Rs 2.45 million at the Company’s inaugural Quay Crane Championship Awards held recently.
The Championship Awards for Quay Crane operators was launched to commemorate the 150th anniversary of CICT’s parent company China Merchants Group (CMG) and is one of 150 competitions that will take place around the globe this year.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, CICT CEO Mr Jack Huang said: “Productivity and safety are the two core competitive advantages that CICT has over the other terminals in the region. Adherence to these aspects has made us one of the best terminals in Asia. On the other hand, our quay crane operators play a key role in the company’s productivity and safety aspects and therefore are pivotal to our success. We are delighted to be able to recognise and reward these skills in our employees through this latest championship awards which are aligned with CICT’s culture of appreciating best-performing employees.”
The CICT competition comprised of two rounds. While all 82 quay crane operators participated in the first round and were judged based on basic skills required to operate mega quay gantry cranes, 30 operators that qualified for the second round were judged based on advanced skills. Time, accuracy, efficiency, and safety while operating were the key criteria in both rounds.
Six quay crane operators who scored the highest in the second round of the competition were declared ‘QC Champion Stars’ and were felicitated with certificates, plaques, and cash prizes at the CICT Quay Crane Championship Awards ceremony. The QC Champion Stars included the grand prize Gold award winner of Rs 600,000, the two Silver award winners – Mr Akila Ushan and Mr Charith Sonal who were presented Rs 400,000 each, and the three Bronze award winners – Mr Asanka Lakruwan, Mr Dhanushka Ariyasena and Mr Dilan Jayanayaka who were presented Rs 200,000 each. The Champion Stars are all experienced quay crane operators, the Company said.
Additionally, three operators with less than three years of crane operating experience were presented ‘QC Shining Star’ awards. Mr Yojitha Bimal placed first in this category received a cash prize of Rs 200,000, while Mr Lahiru Jayawardana and Mr Chanaka Udayanga placed second and third were presented Rs 150,000 and Rs 100,000, respectively.
Meanwhile, the top 30 performers who qualified for the second round of the competition were also recognised with medals and certificates at the ceremony.
The awards ceremony was punctuated by colourful musical performances by a seven-person band from the talent pool of CICT. This is the first time that the Company showcased extra-curricular flair of its employees. The top performers were joined by their family members at the ceremony. All participants were treated to a special lunch following the awards presentation. The panel of judges for the first-ever quay crane operator competition consisted of senior mentors. The event is expected to be an annual feature in the CICT calendar, the Company said.
CICT manages the South Terminal of the Port of Colombo, the first and only operating deep-water terminal in South Asia, which is equipped with facilities to handle the largest vessels afloat. Since its inception in 2014, the terminal has incrementally grown the volume it has handled; from 686,639 teus in 2014, to just over 3.2 million teus in 2021.
CICT is the flagship overseas terminal of China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited (CMPort). CMPort is the largest and a globally-competitive public port developer, investor and operator in China with investments in Mainland China, Hong Kong and overseas. CMPort has a port network portfolio spanning 50 ports in 26 countries and regions. Guided by the vision “To be a world class comprehensive port service provider” and supported by its domestic, overseas and innovation strategies, CMPort strives to strengthen its core competencies in global throughput, port service and management.
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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