Business
Exploring the goodness of Sri Lankan natural sea salt and lagoon salt
By Dr Ajith Shanmuganathan
Salt has played a significant role throughout human history, enhancing the flavour of countless dishes. In recent times, natural sea salt and lagoon salt have gained popularity due to their unique characteristics and potential health benefits. This article aims to explore the goodness of these natural salts, highlighting their origins, extraction methods, mineral composition, and advantages for human consumption. By understanding the qualities and properties of sea salt and lagoon salt, individuals can make informed decisions about incorporating these natural salts into their diets.
The history of salt in Sri Lanka dates back thousands of years, with salt playing a significant role in the country’s culture, economy, and culinary traditions. The island’s geographical location, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, provided ample salt production and trade opportunities. Early records indicate that salt production in Sri Lanka can be traced back to ancient times.
The ancient chronicle, the Mahavamsa, mentions salt pans’ existence during King Pandukabhaya’s reign (4th century BCE). These salt pans, known as “Ussangoda,” were located in the Hambantota district and were a vital source of salt for the local population. Salt production expanded significantly during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods (3rd century BCE – 13th century CE). Salt was primarily produced in shallow brine pools, where seawater was allowed to evaporate, leaving behind salt crystals. These pools, known as “Lunama,” were constructed along the coastline and in the interior regions near saltwater lagoons. The salt produced was primarily used for domestic consumption, preservation of food, and trade. Salt played a crucial role in the Sri Lankan economy during the medieval period. It was a valuable commodity subject to taxation and regulation by the ruling kings. In the 16th century, with the arrival of European colonial powers, the salt industry in Sri Lanka underwent significant changes. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British introduced new techniques and technologies in salt production. They constructed salt pans and introduced more efficient evaporation methods. The British, in particular, played a pivotal role in modernizing salt production and expanding its scale. They established large-scale saltworks in coastal areas, including Kalpitiya, Puttalam, and Hambantota, to cater to the growing demand. In the modern era, the salt industry in Sri Lanka has evolved further.
Today, salt production is primarily carried out through solar evaporation methods. Seawater is channelled into shallow pans or reservoirs and allowed to evaporate naturally under the sun’s heat. The remaining salt crystals are collected, washed, and processed for distribution. Salt production in Sri Lanka is concentrated in coastal areas and saltwater lagoons, including Hambantota, Puttalam, Kalpitiya, Mannar, and Trincomalee. These regions benefit from their proximity to the sea, allowing for salt extraction through solar evaporation methods.
Originating from the evaporation of seawater, natural sea salt is produced by collecting seawater in shallow pools and allowing it to evaporate under controlled conditions. This process ensures the retention of essential minerals and trace elements. Sea salt boasts many minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, and iodine. These minerals are vital in maintaining electrolyte balance, supporting nerve function, and contributing to overall health and well-being. Consuming natural sea salt in moderation may offer potential health benefits, such as improved hydration, digestion, immune function, blood pressure regulation, respiratory health, and skin conditions. Lagoon salt, also known as salt flats or pans, is harvested from inland saltwater lagoons. These lagoons form when seawater enters shallow depressions and evaporates, leaving salt deposits behind. Lagoon salt is manually or mechanically collected from these salt flats. It is characterized by its high mineral content, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The specific mineral composition may vary depending on the geographical location and local conditions. Like sea salt, lagoon salt offers potential health benefits, such as supporting electrolyte balance, aiding muscle function, contributing to bone health, regulating blood sugar levels, and keeping a healthy cardiovascular system.
Natural sea salt and lagoon salt possess distinct characteristics. Sea salt is renowned for its briny flavour and coarse texture, making it ideal for finishing dishes. In contrast, lagoon salt often exhibits a milder taste and finer texture, which lends itself well to seasoning during cooking. Both salts serve as flavour enhancers in cooking and baking, offering versatility in various culinary applications. When selecting natural salts, it is crucial to prioritize sustainability and purity. Choosing salts harvested responsibly and free from additives or contaminants ensures the highest quality product. Incorporating natural sea salt into your culinary endeavours enhances your dishes’ flavours and offers potential health benefits through its rich mineral content. Embrace the goodness of these natural salts and savour the depth of flavour they bring to your meals.
(The writer is a Chartered Engineer and Consultant in business administration & Engineering and a Volunteer of IMechE and IET)
DIMO Academy, the vocational training arm of DIMO, recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with HomeServe Germany, a leading HVAC company offering installation, home repair, maintenance, and insurance services. This joint endeavor aims to strengthen vocational education in Sri Lanka by providing assured job placements in the thriving German building service industry for local youth with globally recognized qualifications.
Under this collaboration DIMO Academy will offer a world-class qualification based on strict German vocational standards, leading to a German Diploma in Plant Engineering accredited by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK). Graduates will also receive German language training to ensure they can start their careers in Germany successfully. Upon the completion of this program, certified graduates will be recruited by HomeServe Germany, guaranteeing their future as skilled experts in the German building service industry.
The partnership meets the growing global demand for skilled building service technicians, especially in HVAC, driven by energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and urbanization, with Germany facing a shortage due to its high standards and focus on renewable technologies.
DIMO has also invested in an ultra-modern training facility in Peliyagoda, set to open in February 2025. This facility will be furnished with extensive technological resources, making sure students are trained to the highest international standards while also enhancing the local building services industry.
Dilrukshi Kurukulasuriya, Executive Director and Chief Human Resources Officer of DIMO and Head of the Group’s Education Arm said, “DIMO Academy’s Diplomas in Automobile Mechatronics and Plant Engineering, certified as category-A qualifications, in Germany make graduates eligible to work as technicians around the globe. DIMO Academy introduced the Diploma in Plant Engineering program to open diverse global career opportunities for young people in the building services industry. DIMO Academy offers a structured industrial training, with updated syllabus through a unique self-learning methodology and German-qualified trainers, in its world-class training facilities. It also upholds high standards through rigorous selection process, continuous assessments, and external audits by German and Sri Lankan bodies.
This alliance showcases the DIMO Academy’s commitment to strengthen partnerships with the global industry to foster employment opportunities and the exchange of technical knowledge for local youth while fuelling their dreams and aspirations. We are indeed privileged to partner with HomeServe Germany, a leading company in the global building services industry”, she added.
Thomas Rebel, CEO of HomeServe Germany f stated, “In Germany, there is a great need for technicians in the building services industry. Being a top provider of building services, we need highly qualified technicians to support our customers. Our HVAC businesses in Germany already have an apprenticeship rate of more than 15% today. Nevertheless, the demand for skilled workers is high and cannot be met solely through education in Germany. The only school outside of Germany to offer a category “A” recognized training program in building services following German vocational criteria is DIMO Academy. With more than 650 graduates working all over the world and 35 years of experience in German vocational training in Sri Lanka, DIMO Academy credentials are entirely accepted in Germany in compliance with German standards.”
Business
Lanka Hospitals launches affordable cardiac care Initiative for public sector workforce and Agrahara members
Lanka Hospitals has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide affordable cardiac care to government servants, retired government servants and Agrahara insurance members. This program aims to alleviate the financial burden of heart surgeries and angiograms amidst challenging economic times, making high-quality cardiac care accessible to those who serve and have served the nation.
Under this special offer, the cost of a Heart Surgery, typically LKR 1,400,000, is now reduced to LKR 1,100,000, providing a saving of LKR 300,000. Angiograms are available at just LKR 50,000, and for patients undergoing heart surgery at Lanka Hospitals, the hospital charges for the angiogram will be completely waived, reducing the cost to only LKR 20,000. Additional benefits are extended exclusively to Agrahara members under this program.
Deepthi Lokuarachchi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Lanka Hospitals Group, emphasized the significance of the initiative: “Our latest offer on heart surgeries and angiograms underscores our commitment to easing the financial strain on public sector employees and retirees.
We are dedicated to ensuring that essential medical services, like advanced cardiac care, are both affordable and accessible without compromising on quality. Through this initiative, we continue to honor the invaluable contributions of Sri Lanka’s government workforce by combining compassionate care with state-of-the-art medical expertise.”
This initiative comes against the backdrop of an agreement with the National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF), which administers the Agrahara Insurance Scheme, further enhancing healthcare benefits for eligible patients.
It also reflects Lanka Hospital’s continued dedication to improving patient outcomes and supporting the health and well-being of Sri Lanka’s public sector workforce.
For more information about this special offer and the exclusive benefits for Agrahara members, contact Lanka Hospitals’ hotline at 0117 145 145.
Business
Sampath Bank introduces new heights of exclusivity in credit card landscape with Visa Infinite Metal credit card
Sampath Bank and Visa have unveiled the nation’s very first Visa Infinite Metal Credit Card, setting a new standard and marking a significant milestone in Sri Lankan banking. Launched at the iconic Cinnamon Life, Colombo’s City of Dreams, this elite card represents a step into unparalleled elegance, offering an array of exclusive privileges designed to meet the desires of discerning cardholders who seek a premium lifestyle experience and access to an elite world of benefits.
More than just a financial instrument, the Visa Infinite Metal Credit Card offers a gateway to a lifestyle that combines elevated service, distinct status, and sophisticated benefits for cardholders in Sri Lanka. Created specifically for those who value the extraordinary, the card delivers an array of global privileges from complimentary priority lounge access at airports to exclusive benefits across luxury retail, dining, and hospitality worldwide. Furthermore, cardholders enjoy the convenience of Visa’s 24/7 Concierge Service via WhatsApp, access to an exclusive travel concierge for seamless travel experiences, a competitive foreign currency markup, and the personalised support of a dedicated relationship officer for all their needs.
Tharaka Ranwala, Senior Deputy General Manager – Marketing, Customer Care, and Card Centre at Sampath Bank said, “With the Visa Infinite Metal Credit Card, we are introducing a new standard of exclusivity in Sri Lanka’s Credit Card landscape. This card is not just about providing superior financial services, it’s about redefining the customer experience by offering benefits that enhance their lifestyle, positioning Sampath Bank at the forefront of luxury banking.”
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