Business
Crysbro helps improve farming practices in Kantale
Crysbro, a major player in the country’s poultry industry recently spearheaded the development of a water irrigation system to strengthen and elevate farming practices in the Suriyapura and Helambayaya villages in the Kantale region, a company news release said.
Launched in association with the Department of Mahaweli Development and Environment and The Ministry of Irrigation, Crysbro’s latest initiative aims to alleviate rural poverty in these villages deeply affected by constant drought and the 30-year long civil war in Sri Lanka.
“The new irrigation system provides these two villages with a permanent source of water to nourish their farming practices all year long, allowing them to cultivate during both the Yala and Maha seasons; a previously unknown reality due to constant droughts,” the release said.
“Although the Mahaweli River flows past this region, villagers were unable to construct a small canal as close as four km away, which is the ideal location for a primary water source for their cultivations. While several attempts were made to inform political authorities regarding their critical requirement, none have proven to be successful.”
Commenting on the initiative, Chairman – Farmer’s Association of Kantale Helambayaya G.G. Bandula, “Although our farmers have made numerous attempts to cultivate during the Yala and Maha seasons after the war, we were not successful due to insufficient access to a reliable water source. Due to the unpredictable nature of rains in the region, we have long suffered from constant droughts for most part of the year.
“The answer to this predicament was a permanent water source in the form of a canal dug just 4 km away from the villages that is fed by the Mahaweli River. We took various measures to make this project a success, but in the end, it was with Crysbro’s vision that we were able to make our long – cherished dream a reality.”
“The new canal was built upon the fervent request of the Helambayaya Farmer’s Association, and was given technical support and approval by the department of Mahaweli Development and Ministry of Irrigation. Crysbro also provided state-of-the-art excavating machinery and earth moving equipment free of charge, towards the success of this project” Crysboro said.
“As a fully home-grown company, Crysbro has always been at the forefront of spearheading initiatives that uplift the rural population and alleviate rural poverty. Over the years, our initiatives have made a significant contribution to elevate agricultural infrastructure in the country as well as to create new entrepreneurs within these communities thereby bringing employment opportunities and a steady source of income for a large number of families. In many areas in Kantale too which was a region deeply impacted by the Civil War, we managed to embolden and elevate the living standards of communities by offering entrepreneurship opportunities and improving their agricultural infrastructure to conduct cultivation operations better and faster,” Crysbro Senior Marketing Manager, Amores Sellar said.
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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