Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC has secured internationally recognised organic certification. A member of the Hayleys Plantations Sector and one of Sri Lanka’s premier Regional Plantation Companies, this milestone enables the Company to market certified organic teas under its renowned Great Western and Logie garden marks.

The certification spans three major global standards: the EU Organic Regulation of the European Union, the National Organic Program (NOP-US) of the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for organic products. With this achievement, Talawakelle Tea Estates is now positioned to supply premium organic teas to international markets that demand the highest standards of certification, traceability, and product integrity.

“We are proud to reach this significant milestone after more than four years of dedicated effort to build a fully compliant organic cultivation and processing system that meets stringent international standards. This achievement shows the strength of our partnerships with the Tea Research Institute (TRI) and internationally qualified consultants and, most importantly, the commitment and collaboration of our estate and corporate teams. Together, we have established a robust and sustainable organic management framework that will support our long-term vision.” Talawakelle Tea Estates, Director / CEO, Nishantha Abeysinghe added.

To ensure consistent compliance with international standards, Talawakelle Tea Estates appointed dedicated full-time personnel from its estate teams and corporate sustainability division to oversee and manage every stage of the organic value chain – from cultivation to final manufacture.

The Company has also developed an end-to-end organic cultivation and processing management system covering the full value chain – from field-level practices to final manufacture – ensuring a structured and carefully monitored approach to organic tea production.

To safeguard product integrity and eliminate the risk of cross-contamination with conventional teas, the Company has designated low-risk fields exclusively for organic cultivation and dedicated the Logie factory entirely to organic tea production, minimising the risk of cross-contamination.

Following a series of rigorous audits, Talawakelle Tea Estates has secured full certification and is now set to launch its certified organic tea range globally under the prestigious Great Western and Logie garden marks names bringing together heritage and sustainability.

This achievement marks an important step in the Company’s broader journey to build a more sustainable, nature-based product portfolio in response to growing global demand. By combining strong garden identities with internationally recognised organic standards, Talawakelle Tea Estates continues to strengthen its position in the premium tea segment.

The southern coast has long held a timeless allure, but few destinations balance accessibility and indulgence quite like Bentota. Just a short journey from Colombo, this celebrated coastal town offers the ideal setting for a spontaneous yet immersive weekend escape — where golden beaches, river life, and slow luxury come together effortlessly.

Now, Nyne Hotels Luxe invites guests to experience Bentota through a carefully curated weekend retreat at ANUPRIT and ANUGRAH, the first LUXE properties within the Nyne portfolio.

Designed for discerning travellers seeking both relaxation and meaningful experiences, the Nyne LUXE Weekend Escape begins on Saturday morning with a warm welcome and a seamless transition into coastal living. Guests are treated to curated dining experiences including lunch, sunset sundowners, and dinner, complemented by a 10% saving on all beverages throughout the stay.

Sunday unfolds at a gentler pace, with breakfast followed by access to a thoughtfully designed range of leisure experiences including pickleball, beach tennis, a beach gym, and moments of complete relaxation by the ocean.

Beyond the properties themselves, Bentota offers guests the opportunity to explore some of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive coastal experiences — from tranquil mangrove boat rides and turtle conservation initiatives in nearby Kosgoda, to the rich artistic heritage of Ambalangoda’s famed mask craftsmanship.

CSE trading indicated some stability yesterday but both local and foreign investors seem to be continuing to be concerned about the steady rupee depreciation.

The All Share Price Index went up by 148.38 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 39.44 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.18 billion with five crossings.

Those crossings were: JKH 7.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 149 million; its shares traded at Rs 20, Ceylon Hospital 1.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 91 million; its shares sold at Rs 60, CCS 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 62 million; its shares sold at Rs 124, CIC Holdings 1.85 million shares crossed for Rs 50 million; its shares sold at Rs 32 and Aitken Spence 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 47.5 million; its shares fetched Rs 95.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; JKH Rs 226 million (11.3 million shares traded), Hayleys Fabric Rs 131 million (4.3 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 83 million (581,000 shares traded), Melstacorp Rs 49 million (463,000 shares traded), Dialog Axiata Rs 48.5 million (1.3 million shares traded), HNB (Non-Voting) Rs 44 million (135,000 shares traded) and LMF Rs 43.7 million (492,000 shares traded). During the day 78.3 million share volumes changed hands in 21012 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, especially JKH, performed well, while the banking sector counters also well performed, especially Sampath Bank and HNB.

Lanka Ceramic announced a final dividend of Rs.6.40 per share for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. Stocks were at Rs.188.00, up 2.45 percent.

Meanwhile, Swisstek (Ceylon) recommended a final dividend of Rs.0.40 per share for the same financial period. Shares were trading at Rs.79.00, up by Rs.2.00.

Yesterday the rupee offer quoted in the spot market was Rs 343.00 to the dollar, after trades at Rs 342.00/350.00 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were quoted lower.

The telegraphic transfer rate for Sri Lanka’s rupee against the US dollar was Rs 340.7500 buying, Rs 349.7500 selling.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 was quoted at 10.35/40 percent, down from 10.40/50 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 10.35/50 percent, down from 10.50/70 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.10.2032 was quoted at 11.35/40 percent. down from 10.45/55.

A bond maturing on 15.06.2034 closed at 11.45/55 percent, down from 11.50/70 percent.

By Hiran H Senewiratne