News
Lumbini Tea Factory achieves world’s first Group Regenagri Certification in Tea Industry
Text and pictures
by PRIYAN DE SILVA
Lumbini Tea Factory Deniyaya was awarded the world’s first group regenagri certification for regenerative agriculture practices on behalf of the 1,515 dedicated contract farmers through the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Roshan Ranawake, Managing Director of Control Union Inspections (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka handed over the certification to Chaminda Jayawardhana, Managing Director of Lumbini Tea Valley at a simple ceremony held at Lumbini’s retail outlet ‘Tea Tent’ at Havelock City mall on Monday (28) morning.
“We are thrilled that Lumbini Tea Farmers have achieved regenagri certification, a testament to their commitment to eco- friendly tea cultivation. This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support from USAID and the dedication of our farming families,” said Chaminda Jayawardhana. Managing Director of Lumbini Tea Valley and Tea Factory.
He added that the 1515 contracted outgrowers cultivate approximately 937.87 hectares and are paid a premium price for the green leaves they produce.
Sri Lanka’s tea industry is a key economic pillar, contributing 4 percent to the GDP and serving as a major source of foreign exchange. Despite its importance, the industry faces challenges, such as fluctuating prices, rising production costs, and climate change. USAID’s CATALYZE
Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity partnered with Lumbini Tea Valley to promote sustainable agricultural and fair-trade practices through its Food Solutions initiative, which is essential for the long-term viability and resilience of the tea industry.
“The partnership between Lumbini Tea Valley and the United States through USAID addresses critical challenges plaguing the agricultural sector, including escalating production costs and limited market access,” said USAID Acting Mission Director Justin DiVenanzo. “The certification of farmers in sustainable agriculture practices will facilitate access to new, higher-value niche markets, leading to higher incomes. We hope this achievement inspires other companies and farmers to adopt these practices, bringing a greater positive impact on the agricultural sector.” he added,
The regenagri certification sets a new standard and underscores the benefits of such practices, including improved soil health, increased crop yields, and enhanced livelihoods for farmers.
Additionally, it opens up new market opportunities and potentially higher prices for their produce, as consumers increasingly seek sustainably sourced products.
The certification was facilitated by Control Union in Sri Lanka.
The situation report issued by the Disaster Management Centre at 1800hrs today (5th December) confirms that 607 persons have died due to the adverse weather conditions while the number of missing persons has reduced to 214.
The number of persons affected topped the 2 million mark (2,082,195).
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) formally took delivery of the EX- United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC DECISIVE, provided by the United States to SLN, at a ceremony held at the United
States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore on 02 Dec 25. The event was also attended by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.
The ship formally joined the SLN fleet on 02 December under the pennant number P 628 and the main mast of the ship will fly the National Flag effective from that date.
Aiming to strengthen and develop partnerships to overcome common challenges in the maritime domain, the U.S. Coast Guard has previously provided 03 ships to SLN and they are currently patrolling island waters under the names of ‘Samudura’ (P 621), ‘Gajabahu’(P 626), and ‘Vijayabahu’ (P 627).
As an extension of partnership ties that bring value to each other’s services, Ex-USCGC DECISIVE was transferred as the fourth ship to be handed to SLN.
Ex-USCGC DECISIVE, a ‘B-Type Reliance Class 210-foot Cutter’, measures 64m in length, and having endurance of 6000 NM at cruising speed. Further, she has been designed for a
crew of 100 and is equipped with weapons and machinery.
The ship which was used by the U.S. Coast Guard has rendered exceptional service during her tenure by curbing illegal activities, including smuggling of narcotics in U.S. waters.
Sri Lanka inherits an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that is seven times larger than the landmass. In such a backdrop, the Navy is determined to deploy this vessel in wide-ranging
operations that include the conservation of marine resources in the region and the search and rescue of naval and fishing communities in distress. Thereby, the Navy will be able to utilize
this vessel efficiently in the future to achieve the national aspiration, while ensuring safe and secure seas for all economic affairs.
The formal handing over – taking over ceremony was also distinguished by the presence of the Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer and Director of Domain & Integration Services U.S. Coast
Guard, James L. Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for South and Southeast Asia, Dr. Andrew Byers, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, Commanding Officer designate of P 628, Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya as well as a group of officials from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in United States and the State Department
of the United State
The situation report issued by the Disaster Management Center at 0600hrs today [5th December] confirms that 486 persons have died and another 341 persons are missing after the devastating weather conditions in the past week.
171,778 persons have been displaced and have taken refuge at 1,231 safety centers established by the government.
Death toll rises to 607, missing persons reduce to 214 at 1800hrs today (5)
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486 dead, 341 missing, 171,778 displaced as at 0600hrs today [05]
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