Business
Teejay supports project which creates a 9-km forest corridor on the banks of Maskeli Oya
Joins forces with ‘WNPS PLANT’ to part fund reforesting of over 50 Hectares
Leading textile manufacturer Teejay Lanka PLC has pledged funding support towards part of the reforestation of a nine-kilometer section of the banks of the Maskeli Oya, a major upstream tributary of one of Sri Lanka’s most important rivers, the Kelani.
Connecting to the foothills of the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, the initiative is supported as part of the Company’s sustainability road-map and will enhance water quality, reduce human animal conflict, and contribute to combating climate change as well, a Teejay news release said.
The project, on land in the Maskeliya Upcot valley that is to be released for the purpose by the Hayleys Group’s Horana Plantations PLC, is being executed and managed by Preserving Land and Nature (Guarantee) Limited (PLANT), a company established by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka’s largest and most active conservation entity.
A Memorandum of Understanding entered into by Teejay and PLANT (www.plantsl.org) envisages the regeneration of forest cover on 30 to 50 feet wide continuous strips of land on the opposing banks of the waterway. Five project segments combine, forming a nine-kilometer forest corridor that will create over 50 hectares of new forest, with one of these segments funded by Teejay.
Teejay Lanka CEO Mr Pubudu De Silva said the two-year project would be a significant element of the Company’s ‘Abhivarah 2030’ sustainability road map and generate valuable carbon credits, while helping restore one of the country’s most scenic natural habitats to its pristine state. “Teejay is also focused on initiatives to improve the environment in and around the Kelani River and its related ecosystems, and this project is a perfect extension of that commitment,” he said.
Speaking at the signing of the MoU, PLANT Chairman Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne commended Teejay for the company’s solid commitment towards nature preservation and for the many groundbreaking initiatives it is taking. “PLANT is fortunate to have visionary partners like Teejay coming forward to set an example for others to follow,” he added.
The forest corridor that is to be created by PLANT as part of this reforestation project will comprise of multiple tree species including Tel-keena (Calophyllum walker) Kudu dawula or dawul Kurundu – (Neolitsea cassia) Gal-Weralu (Elaeocarpus subvillosus) and Kenda (Macaranga sp.) among others, thereby helping to enhance the biodiversity of the area, prevent soil erosion and flooding.
PLANT was set up with the aim of acquiring privately-owned lands outright or on a long-term lease for the purpose of conservation and to collect funds for the purpose of conservation, while also working to leverage lands which are owned by Partners themselves. PLANT currently supports more than 2,500 Acres of conservation footprint in over 20 locations with the help of multiple local and global partners
Teejay’s ‘Abhivarah 2030’ road-map aims to plant one million trees and achieve net zero carbon emissions by the company by 2050. Developed in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, its three principal pillars are defined as Responsible Consumption – doing more with less; Responsible Discharge – waste to wealth; and Support Thriving Planet – to earth with love. Among its targets are achieving zero toxic chemical usage and discharge, transition to renewable energy sources, and reducing water intensity consumption by 50%, to achieve a 100% sustainable product portfolio.
An ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001: 2018 and Eco Labeling compliant company and the first in the industry to develop green fabric, Teejay Lanka was also the first textile manufacturer in Sri Lanka to receive membership of the US Cotton Trust Protocol. Teejay is a public quoted company with 40 per cent public ownership and the backing of Sri Lanka’s largest apparel exporter Brandix Lanka which has a 33 per cent stake in the Company. Pacific Textiles of Hong Kong, whose key shareholder is the Tokyo Stock Exchange listed Toray Industries Inc., owns 27 per cent of Teejay Lanka.
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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