Business
Occidental Paradise partners with University of Colombo for World Photography Day
In keeping with the hotel’s vision for collaborative educational initiatives and green living, Occidental Paradise Dambulla was recently instrumental in facilitating a successful workshop in conjunction with the University of Colombo for World Photography Day. The program consisted of undergraduates and lecturers from the University of Colombo’s Sustainable Tourism Unit (STU) which equips students in eco-friendly education while partnering with key industries through workshops and assignments in an effort to further enhance their knowledge and skills.
Under the guidance of Professor Sarath Kotagama – Ornithologist/Wildlife Ecologist, Patron Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, Professor Suranga Silva – Tourism Economics, University of Colombo, Sampath Siriwardena – Senior Lecturer Tourism Research Academic Circle (TRAC) and STU University of Colombo and Prasad Kapuarachchi, Founder of Wild Squad, Senior Lecturer at National Photography Society of Sri Lanka and Regional Director of Asian Wildlife Photography Club, students were offered guided tours around the Occidental Paradise premises and iconic locations in the vicinity. Some of the sites visited included the Kubukkadanwala Rock and Kalu Diya Pokuna nature trail, where the undergraduates captured images of endemic flora and fauna while enhancing their knowledge of the said species and responsible tourism practices. They also received extensive training on scientific names, pollination patterns, flowering periods, diverse habitats of different species, and more.
During the workshop, the importance of preserving correct eco-friendly measures where people, plants, and procedures co-exist harmoniously was emphasised. Students explored practices on how responsible tourism measures were implemented, processes that could be improved, and where prevention is needed. They were given an overview of ways in which photography could be utilised to enhance the country’s tourism industry by understanding methods to capture images without disrupting natural habitats, along with right image selection and effective publishing.
Eksath Wijeratne, CEO of Browns Hotels & Resorts said, “As we celebrate World Photography Day, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and the protection of our country’s natural beauty. Our recent activities highlight the importance of preserving these precious landscapes, not just for today, but for future generations. By fostering a culture of conservation, we can ensure that our nation remains a vibrant and enchanting destination for tourists to explore and cherish.”
Commenting on the initiative, Professor Sarath Kotagama said, “Photography is not merely about taking photos; it is about capturing the essence of our world and the stories that lie within each frame. It allows us to witness the beauty of nature and the delicate balance of our ecosystems. As we engage with our surroundings through photography, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment, inspiring us to initiate active steps in preserving it.”
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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