Business
CSE signs MOU with University of Moratuwa

“Our university is always looking to add value, and I believe this will be an excellent opportunity to collaborate on projects with more industrial partners.” – Vice Chancellor, University of Moratuwa
“It is crucial to promote financial literacy among Sri Lankans, especially among undergraduates, who are a key segment of the population equipped in contributing to a stable economy in the future.” -CEO, CSE
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Moratuwa, to formalize collaborative efforts to improve financial literacy among undergraduates in Sri Lanka.
The collaboration proposes to promote capital market education among undergraduates by working together on a number of mutually beneficial strategic initiatives. Accordingly, the initiative would offer practical educational training and internship opportunities for students of the University of Moratuwa who are engaged in accountancy and finance, business management, and economics-related degree programmes with the CSE.
Furthermore, under the terms of the MoU, the CSE will grant an award to the student who obtains the highest value in the Grade Point Average (“GPA”) in the Financial Management Specialization Programme of the University.
The University of Moratuwa will also collaborate with the ongoing educational initiatives of the CSE, including the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets (ADFM), as well as in future educational and research activities by providing the required expertise and resource persons.
Commenting on the partnership, the CEO of the CSE, Rajeeva Bandaranaike, stated, “It is crucial to promote financial literacy among Sri Lankans, especially among undergraduates, who are a key segment of the population equipped in contributing to a stable economy in the future. Taking cognizance of this objective, we are pleased in partnering with the University of Moratuwa, in a productive line of initiatives to promote a financially literate undergraduate population for the sustainable growth of the economy in Sri Lanka.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, Senior Professor N. D. Gunawardena, also shared his views and thanked the Colombo Stock Exchange, for signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Moratuwa to bring more opportunities to both parties.
“It really helps us to share our practical knowledge as well as increase industrial interactions with your precise company. I truly believe that your opportunities for our academic, non-academic, and undergraduate students have resulted in positive outcomes for the university.”
Senior Professor Gunawardena also emphasized the fact that, CSE’s objectives are critical to increasing undergraduate students’ industrial interactions. “Furthermore, our university is always looking to add value, and I believe this will be an excellent opportunity to collaborate on projects with more industrial partners.”
Business
Ceylon Tea conquers Libya: Exports leap 416%

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
Business
Fits Retail and Abans unveil exclusive DeLonghi Premium Coffee experience

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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