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.
Advisory for strong winds and rough seas for Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal deep sea areas
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 05.00 p.m. 18 September 2026, valid for the next 24 hours.
PLEASE BE AWARE!
The atmospheric disturbance to the North of the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, is likely to develop into a low pressure area within the next 24 hours.
Due to its influence, wind speed over the Bay of Bengal sea areas will increase during the next few days starting from
tomorrow (19th).
The wind speed in the sea areas marked under the “Advisory” category on the map below will increase to 55-65 kmph at times and those sea areas will be rough or very rough at times.
Navel and fishing communities engaging the activities over this sea area are advised to be vigilant and be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the department of Meteorology in this regards.
Text and Pic by Priyan de Silva
Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) Ranga Dissanayake has questioned whether some promises contained in the National People’s Power (NPP) manifesto, A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life, could be fulfilled even if the government wanted to implement them.
Dissanayake raised the issue during a discussion following the release of the third biannual report on manifesto monitoring by the March 12 Movement, at the BMICH, on Wednesday.
He questioned whether the report had taken into account legal and institutional constraints affecting the implementation of certain pledges.
Citing the proposal to establish Anti-Corruption Investigation Offices in each district, Dissanayake said such offices could be established only with the agreement of CIABOC and that amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act would be necessary.
He also referred to the pledge to abolish the Executive Presidency, noting that successive governments had made similar commitments since 1994. He questioned whether there had been adequate consideration of where the powers vested in the Executive President would be transferred if the system were abolished.
On the proposal to establish a Public Prosecutor, Dissanayake questioned whether the Government intended to maintain the office alongside the Attorney General, who currently performs prosecution-related functions.
Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) Manjula Gajanayake said Dissanayake’s remarks should be regarded as his personal views and not as Government policy.
Monitoring and Evaluation Consultants M. Thilakarajah and D.D. Mataharaarachchi presented the third-phase findings, covering January to June 2026.
The corruption case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, and Yoshitha Rajapaksa was set for a pre-trial conference by the Colombo High Court.
The case was taken up before the Colombo High Court on Thursday (17), when the accused, who are currently out on bail, appeared before the court. After considering the submissions made, the court ordered that the case be called for a pre-trial conference.
The CIABOC had filed the case against the accused, alleging that a corruption offence was committed by sending Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, for training at the Royal Naval College in the United Kingdom despite him not having the required qualifications.
Advisory for strong winds and rough seas for Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal
Showers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya Districts
Some NPP manifesto promises may be difficult to fulfil – CIABOC DG
Yoshitha and ex-Navy chief Karannagoda’s case fixed for PTC
Court orders probe into Wimal’s rally speech
Court to rule on Dilith’s writ petition on September 30
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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