Business
HNB partners with St. Joseph’s College Col. 10 Old Boys’ Union for exclusive affinity card
Reaffirming their commitment to supporting the nation’s prestigious educational institutions, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC recently announced their partnership with the Old Boys’ Union of St. Joseph’s College (SJC) Colombo -10 and its Ja-ela, Wattala branch to launch an exclusive affinity credit card for its members.
Custom-made for members of Old Boys’ Union of SJC, the customized Affinity card offers a wide range of exclusive benefits and promotional deals across the Bank’s broad portfolio of merchant partners.
Rector of St. Joseph’s College Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, Priyanga Perera -Senior VP OBU SJC, Prithieraj de Silva – Immediate Past Senior VP, OBU SJC, HNB Managing Director / CEO Damith Pallewatte, HNB Chief Operating Officer- Sanjay Wijemanne , were present at the signing of the MoU at HNB head office
“St. Joseph’s College, Colombo stands as a pillar of educational excellence in Sri Lanka, nurturing generations of leaders who have shaped and continue to influence our nation’s trajectory across diverse sectors. Our partnership with the Old Boys’ Association represents more than just financial support; it’s an investment in Sri Lanka’s future. By collaborating on mentorship and skill-building initiatives, we’re actively contributing to the development of the next generation of visionary leaders. This alliance also aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering sustainable growth and empowering communities, reflecting our broader vision of driving positive change in Sri Lanka’s educational landscape,” said HNB Managing Director / CEO Damith Pallewatte .
The partnership will offer members access to exclusive benefits across HNB’s extensive merchant partner network. Moreover, the bank will waive off the annual fee for the first year and provide members with a complementary supplementary card.
“The partnership between the Old Boys’ Union of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo -10 and HNB marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support and elevate our alma mater. This collaboration, particularly through the innovative affinity card program, goes beyond financial benefits; it’s a powerful tool for community building and institutional advancement.
By leveraging HNB’s financial expertise and our deep-rooted commitment to the college, we are not only supporting our current endeavors but also lays the groundwork for realizing the full potential of our students and institution. Together, we’re setting a new standard for how educational institutions and corporate entities can work hand in hand to nurture talent and drive societal progress,” said Senior VP Old Boys’ Union SJC, Priyanga Perera.
All members can use this opportunity to give back to school through this initiative, as a percentage will be contributed to the Old Boys’ Union of SJC every time a card is issued and used. Customers can also make use of a 12-month easy payment plans with 0% interest rates on all school fees payments to SJC, in addition to complementary overseas travel and health insurance plans.
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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