Business
Planters’ Association of Ceylon charts course for sustainable future at 170th AGM
The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) held its 170th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 14, 2024, at The Galadari Hotel in Colombo. The event, graced by the presence of Chief Guest, Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Hayleys Group, marked a pivotal moment for the nation’s plantation industry.
The AGM witnessed the formal handover of leadership from outgoing Chairman, Senaka Alawattegama, to Sunil Poholiyadde, who assumes the role for his second term. The transition comes at a critical juncture for the industry, facing significant challenges and opportunities.
In his final address, Alawattegama reflected on the substantial progress made during his tenure, notably the successful resolution of long-standing wage negotiations. He highlighted the introduction of a new wage structure that includes a daily minimum wage of Rs. 1,350 and a productivity-linked component of Rs. 50 per kilogram. This achievement, he noted, represents a significant victory for both workers and Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs), accomplished despite considerable challenges and pressures.
“As we move forward, decisions related to wages and policies must be made with the best interests of the entire industry—including workers—at heart,” Alawattegama stated. “We must ensure that our industry remains affordable and sustainable so that it can thrive for generations to come.”
Taking over the helm, Poholiyadde delivered an incisive speech outlining his vision for the future. He commended the industry’s collective resilience in successfully navigating the recent wage crisis, which had been considered a potential existential threat to the industry.
“On May 1st, 2024, a proposed wage increase to Rs. 1,700—a 70% hike—threatened to cripple our industry,” Poholiyadde remarked. “Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the PA took unprecedented steps, including legal action up to the Supreme Court. Our persistent efforts resulted in a more sustainable wage agreement, a testament to what we can achieve when we unite.”
Emphasizing the crucial role of innovation and technology in overcoming current challenges, Poholiyadde asserted, “We must embrace innovation to sustain our industry. Mechanization can provide relief, especially with our diminishing labor force.” He highlighted that since 1992, the industry has lost 50% of its workforce, adversely affecting production volumes. “We may not reach even 250 million kilograms of tea this year, although the industry had initially targeted over 300 million.”
Poholiyadde also underscored the necessity of adopting new technologies, mechanization, and automation in both field and factory operations to enhance productivity and remain competitive globally. “The technology exists globally; it’s a matter of us embracing and implementing it,” he said. (PA)
Business
SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure
Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development
In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.
Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.
Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.
“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.
Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.
However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.
Business
Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement
Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.
The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.
In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.
Business
American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026
American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.
Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.
For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.
Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.
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