Business
Colombo Tea Auction prices remain stable despite conflict between Russia and Ukraine

‘A degree of uncertainty and volatility in the future would no doubt be a concern’
Amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the sanctions imposed on Russian banks, the Colombo Tea Auction prices largely remain unchanged, according to Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers.
“Perhaps a degree of uncertainty and volatility in the future would no doubt be a concern for the Sri Lankan tea sector considering the ‘Ceylon Tea’ presence in both these markets. Undoubtedly trading conditions are likely to be strained and additional war risk surcharges would further escalate the high logistics rates, which have already adversely impacted on tea prices,” they said.
Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers further said, “Total Auction offerings declined sharply and totalled 4.98 M/Kgs from the 6.0 M/Kgs on offer the previous week. Ex-Estate offerings comprised of 0.81 M/Kgs, down from a 0.98 M/Kgs the previous week.
Overall quality of teas from the Western planting districts showed a decline with fewer seasonal teas on offer. Consequently, prices for the better Westerns’ declined by Rs. 20-30 per kg and more with the exception of the few available seasonal teas which continued to sell in keeping with quality. In the Below Best category, BOP/BOPF’s declined Rs. 20-40 per kg and Rs. 20 per kg respectively. Plainer BOP’s declined Rs. 10-20 per kg, whilst the corresponding BOPF’s sold around last week’s levels. Nuwara Eliyas’ – the limited availability of BOP/BOPF invoices sold around last week’s levels, whilst the Uva/Uda Pussellawa prices mostly remain unchanged.
High and Medium Grown CTC teas continued to witness a bearish sentiment, whilst the Low Growns which have been selling at premium levels for a period of time declined fairly sharply by Rs. 30-60 per kg.
Low Growns comprised of 1.9 M/Kgs in the Leafy/Semi Leafy and Tippy catalogues. There was fair demand.
In the Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues, Select Best BOP1/OP1’s together with clean Below Best varieties maintained, whilst the others were barely steady. Well-made OP/OPA’s were firm to marginally easier following quality, whilst the others in the Below Best category and poorer sorts were barely steady. A range of well-made PEK/ PEK1’s were fully firm to selectively dearer, while the others and poorer sorts maintained.
In the Tippy catalogues, select Best FBOP/ FF1’s were firm to marginally easier, whilst the Best together with cleaner Below Best sold around last levels. Balance declined following quality.
In the Premium catalogues, Very Tippy teas continued to attract good demand. Best together with cleaner Below Best were firm, whilst the balance were irregular following quality.
National tea sales average for the month of February 2022 recorded Rs. 725.63 (USD 3.61), thus establishing the highest ever recorded average for a calendar month surpassing the previous best of Rs. 704.67 (USD 3.56) recorded in the month of January 2022. In comparison to the February 2021 average of Rs. 645.95 (USD 3.35), shows a significant increase of Rs. 79.68 YOY.
When analysing the respective elevational averages for the month of February 2022 – Highest ever High Grown average for the month of February of Rs. 696.48 (USD 3.47) recorded an increase of Rs. 15.92 month on month vis-à-vis Rs. 680.56 (USD 3.39) of January 2022. When compared to the February 2021 average of Rs. 611.83 (USD 3.17), a significant increase of Rs. 84.65 is recorded YOY.
Highest ever Medium Grown average for a calendar month totalling Rs. 645.08 (USD 3.21) for February 2022 recorded an increase of Rs. 18.35 month on month vis-à-vis the previous highest of Rs. 626.73 (USD 3.12) of January 2022. When compared to February 2021 average of Rs. 579.78 (USD3.01), shows a significant increase of Rs. 65.30 YOY.
Low Growns too recorded the Highest ever average of Rs. 759.45 (USD 3.78) in February 2022 surpassing the previous best of Rs. 744.52 (USD 4.01) recorded in May 2020. It records an increase of Rs. 25.76 month on month and Rs. 85.34 YOY respectively.
Business
IMF staff team concludes visit to Sri Lanka

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Evan Papageorgiou visited Colombo from April 3 to 11, 2025. After constructive discussions in Colombo, Mr. Papageorgiou issued the following statement:
“Sri Lanka’s ambitious reform agenda supported by the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) continues to deliver commendable outcomes. The post-crisis growth rebound of 5 percent in 2024 is impressive. Inflation declined considerably in recent quarters and has fallen to ‑2.6 percent at end-March 2025. Gross official reserves increased to US$6.5 billion at end-March 2025 with sizeable foreign exchange purchases by the central bank. Substantial fiscal reforms have strengthened public finances.
“The recent external shock and evolving developments are creating uncertainty for the Sri Lankan economy, which is still recovering from its own economic crisis. More time is needed to assess the impact of the global shock and how its implications for Sri Lanka can be addressed within the contours of its IMF-supported program.
“The government’s sustained commitment to program objectives is ensuring policy continuity and program implementation remains strong. Going forward, sustaining the reform momentum is critical to safeguard the hard-won gains of the program and put the economy on a path toward lasting macroeconomic stability and higher inclusive growth.
“Against increased global uncertainty, sustained revenue mobilization efforts and prudent budget execution in line with Budget 2025 are critical to preserve the limited fiscal space. Boosting tax compliance, including by reinstating an efficient and timely VAT refund mechanism, will help contribute to revenue gains without resorting to additional tax policy measures. Avoiding new tax exemptions will help reduce fiscal revenue leakages, corruption risks and build much needed fiscal buffers, including for social spending to support Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable. Restoring cost recovery in electricity pricing will help minimize fiscal risks arising from the electricity state-owned enterprise.
“The government has an important responsibility to protect the poor and vulnerable at this uncertain time. It is important to redouble efforts to improve targeting, adequacy, and coverage of social safety nets. Fiscal support needs to be well-targeted, time-bound, and within the existing budget envelope.
“While inflation remains low, continued monitoring is warranted to ensure sustained price stability and support macroeconomic stability. Against ongoing global uncertainty, it remains important to continue rebuilding external buffers through reserves accumulation.
“Discussions are ongoing, and the authorities are encouraged to continue to make progress on restoring cost-recovery electricity pricing, strengthening the tax exemptions framework, and other important structural reforms.
“The IMF team held meetings with His Excellency President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya ; Honorable Labor Minister and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Honorable Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Treasury Mr. K M Mahinda Siriwardana, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa, and other senior government and CBSL officials. The team also met with parliamentarians, representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners.
“We would like to thank the authorities for the excellent collaboration during the mission. Discussions are continuing with the goal of reaching staff-level agreement in the near term to pave the way for the timely completion of the fourth review. We reaffirm our commitment to support Sri Lanka at this uncertain time.”
Business
ComBank unveils new Corporate Branch at Head Office

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has transformed its iconic ‘Foreign Branch’ into the ‘Corporate Branch,’ reaffirming its commitment to delivering dedicated, comprehensive financial solutions to corporate and trade customers.
The Bank said this transformation represents a new milestone in its illustrious journey, and resonates with the rich commercial heritage of Colombo, a city that has long served as a vital trading hub in the region.
Strategically located at the Bank’s Head Office at Commercial House, 21, Sir Razeek Fareed Mawatha (Bristol Street), Colombo 1, this rebranded Corporate Branch stands as a first of its kind in Sri Lanka —a premier financial hub tailored exclusively to the needs of corporate customers, the Bank said. The transformation aligns with the Bank’s vision of providing unparalleled service excellence, bespoke financial solutions, and fostering long-term business partnerships.
Commenting on this strategic initiative, Commercial Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge stated: “It is our aspiration that just as the historic Delft Gateway, at which our Head Office is located, once opened the path to the Dutch Fort, our Corporate Branch will chart a new era of enduring and prosperous business collaborations, that will extend beyond Sri Lanka’s shores.”
Business
Fits Retail and Abans PLC Unveil Exclusive DeLonghi Premium Coffee Experience

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.
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. Renowned for consistently delivering café-quality espresso, cappuccino, and even specialty cold brews, DeLonghi machines exemplify Italian innovation at its finest.
Yasas Kodituwakku, CEO of Fits Retail, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “This partnership represents our unwavering commitment to bringing global coffee excellence to Sri Lankan connoisseurs. With Abans PLC, we’re creating more than just demonstration spaces; we’re curating premium destinations for an authentic coffee experience.”
“As pioneers of premium lifestyle experiences in Sri Lanka, our collaboration with Fits Retail aligns seamlessly with our vision of elevating everyday moments into exceptional experiences,” said Tanaz Pestonjee, Director Business Development at Abans PLC.
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