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Starchina International Trade Company to buy 4 million kilo grams annually of Pure Ceylon Tea

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Starchina International Trade Company Ltd. of China will buy more than 4 million kilograms of Ceylon Tea annually in terms of an MOU and the import quantity is expected to increase by 10 percent to 15 per cent every year, a government press release said.

The release: The Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Fujian Starchina International Trade Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Fuzhou Benny Tea Industries Co. Ltd according to the vision of the government of Sri Lanka to “Promote Investments and Trade”. Minister of Plantations Industries Dr. Ramesh Parthirana and Sri Lanka Tea Board signed a MOU, with one of the largest tea companies in China. The MOU was signed by using Zoom technology in front of the ambassador Dr. Palitha T. B. Kohona of embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing. The other participants were Jayampathy Molligoda, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the Group Chairman of Benny Tea Industries Co. Ltd and the Sri Lanka Tea Board representatives in Beijing and the officials of “BEST Energy Co. Ltd” the local representation of Benny Tea Industries Co. Ltd.

This MOU was Initially recognized and approved by the Board Directors of Sri Lanka Tea Board, Plantation Ministry, Attorney Generals office of Sri Lanka, Ministry of Foreign affairs and finally the President and the Prime Minister, head of the Sri Lankan Cabinet.

Chinese market highlights.

• China retail market value: US$ 6 trillion

• Online penetration value: US$ 1.42 trillion

• Estimated foreign imported goods proportion of online: US$ 569 billion

• Internet users in China: 731 million

• Internet users of middle class consumers in China: 400 million (Year 2020 estimation)

• Mobile monthly active users: 620 million

• Mobile transaction on retail online sales: 90%

• Product/brand comments per day: 20 million

China tea market is rapidly growing and converting Green tea to Black tea with a substantial growth. By 2020, China’s Ceylon Tea imports registered 14.2 million kilograms, year-over-year increase by 20%. Sri Lanka average tea production registered 310 million kilograms per year and renowned as the best and cleanest orthodox teas in the world.

Starchina International Trade Company Limited will buy more than 4 million kilograms per year, and predicted to increase the import quantity by 10%-15% annually. Also improving to purchase value added Ceylon tea year by year starting from 60,000 kgs in the first year. The validity of this agreement for 15 years and the advantage is the buying company assures the quantity with an annual increase for the number of years through a legally bound agreement. Starchina International Trade Company Limited currently operating with over 3000, B 2 B clients and more than 180,000 Milk tea shop clients in China.

All Sri Lankan exporters will be enjoying “ZERO” cost to ge into this market as online platform charges, security deposits, annual renewal charges, logistics, operation and promotion fees depend on occasions and cases.

Special credentials of the agreement

• Starchina International Trade Company Limited offers to List Sri Lankan brands on a “PURE CEYLON TEA DEDICATED” O or O online.

• All these teas are marketed with “Original Sri Lankan Brand Names” to market not only in China but also cross border trading.

• All import being done following prevailing rules and regulations. Sri Lankan tea will be shipped tea complying with Sri Lanka rules and regulations to warehouse in Starchina International Trade Company Limited in Fuzhou, Fujian, China

• Starchina International Trade Company Limited will be buying teas from Sri Lankan tea companies under the supervision of Sri Lanka Tea Board on a pre agreed price to ensuring the present trading system.

• Payment will be done every month to the Sri Lankan tea suppliers. Star china International Trade Company Limited will settle all the dues as per the agreement made between the Sri Lankan suppliers. All sales information can be viewed by the respective Sri Lankan tea supplier to secure the transparency and high standards of business ethics, under the supervision of Sri Lanka Tea Board.

• Starchina International Trade Company Limited is responsible and accountable for all their purchases since all requirement parameters will be checked and purchased from the Sri Lankan suppliers and confirmed according to the Starchina International Trade Company Limited requirements.

• Starchina International Trade Company Limited will hold a variety of Ceylon tea promotion activities in China; participate in exhibitions in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other places to help promote dedicated space to Pure Ceylon Tea and Sri Lankan Tea brands.

• Starchina International Trade Company Limited will be participating in the promotional campaigns conducted by Sri Lanka Tea Board and provides fullest support.

• Support on Sri Lanka Tea Factory modernization with technology transfer in aspects of tea plantations systems and tea value addition.

• Business diversification on “TEA TOURISM” involving in services sector by investing a hotel to promote tea culture to the tourist sector.

This is the first occasion that the Sri Lanka Tea Board in getting into signing for an agency (not an exclusive agency ship) agreement with any other country or a private company to increase Ceylon Tea exports. The said MOU and agreement will be uplifted to promote and increase of marketing of Ceylon tea in China in a greater way.



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

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.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the 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.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

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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