Business
Global Solutions launches its beverage brand – Dlight, to create unforgettable events
Global Solutions, an event management company based in Akkaraipattu, has launched Dlight – its range of fresh fruit juices, cordials and beverages. What started out as the ultimate service provider for various types of events has now diversified its portfolio of offerings to include a delicious range of food and beverages.
Founder of Global Solutions Uwais Mohamed Thilshan states: “Global Solutions is driven by the motto – ‘Make Your Event Memorable’. We have been offering an array of services ranging from venue management to lights, sounds and logistics, and recently expanded our offerings to include catering services as well – providing snacks and beverages at all our events. However, we wanted to go a step further and offer healthy and fresh products at all our special occasions. This led us to launch our brand called Dlight which has been a stepping stone for all of us and a venture we look forward to expanding.”
Global Solutions provides all-inclusive event services that cater to individuals, groups and small businesses as well. It integrates into its service various vendors such as photographers, audio-visual providers, caterers and the like. With a dedicated vision to flourish in the region’s event management and food processing industry, Global Solutions has provided employment and acted as a source of income to many.
Thilshan further states: “We have always wanted Dlight to disrupt the industry by providing healthy and tasty food and beverages to our customers. And we are ecstatic to announce that we have launched our first Mango Nectar, Mixed Fruit Nectar, Lime and Lemon drink, Aloe Vera drink, and Iced Coffee bottles to the market.”
Dlight has now built itself a loyal and growing customer base of its own. The returning customers prefer Dlight for its fruit-based nectar, organic nature and competitive pricing. Mango Nectar and Mixed Fruit Nectar, which are especially popular during the scorching summer, are available in 200ml, 500ml and 1 Litre bottles in the Eastern and Northern Provinces.
Thilshan and his team look forward to adding Wood Apple Juice to the Dlight portfolio. In addition, Global Solutions also plans on producing Dlight Jams, Dlight Cordials and Dlight Organic Drinks in the near future.
Global Solutions is supported both technically and financially through HackaDev – the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka’s flagship youth and innovation programme, which empowers Sri Lanka’s youth to be more innovative and entrepreneurial and take leadership in solving the most pressing development challenges in a sustainable manner, by providing them with opportunities and the necessary next-generation skills.
The HackaDev Enterprise Support Programme (HESP) is an initiative which is aimed at rebuilding enterprises and empowering entrepreneurs of the HackaDev alumni network affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the first cohort successfully implemented in 2020/21, it provided 06-months of comprehensive further development support to 15 enterprises. CurveUp was entrusted as the expert service provider to manage the seed funding and incubation support process of the HESP interventions, and has been successful in providing necessary support and hands-on guidance to entrepreneurs in their journey, contributing to the successful completion of the programme.
Having previously worked as a merchandising executive, Thilshan believes that the exposure he garnered through meeting people, better understanding their needs, and being able to translate challenges into progressive business opportunities has made him a mentor to many in his region. He says that the habit of reading several books and biographies on successful entrepreneurs, that he cultivated during his school days, has definitely played a part in him achieving his dreams! This budding entrepreneur is most definitely an inspiration for young people to progress in life amidst challenges.
“We had to face several issues when launching our product – right from market research to branding, merchandising and even production. The support and mentoring offered by UNDP and CurveUp has been instrumental in who we are now, and we look forward to establishing our footprint islandwide,” comments Thilshan.
Commenting on the initiative, Founder & CEO of CurveUp Mohammed Fawaz states: “We are indeed honoured to be a part of this project supported by the UNDP. CurveUp has offered the foundations and initial processes followed by Incubation. And UNDP has really enabled entrepreneurs to disrupt industries, create lasting impact, and develop sustainable solutions in our communities.”
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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