Business
Global tea convention positions tea as a versatile lifestyle choice
By Ifham Nizam
The Colombo International Tea Convention recently brought together a global audience in Colombo to explore the future of the tea industry. A primary focus of the forum was the need to position tea as a versatile lifestyle choice.
Dr. Sharon Hall, Chief Executive of the UK Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA), provided exclusive insights into the event’s success, the challenges facing the industry, and the emerging trends that are shaping the future of tea.
The convention proved to be a resounding success, with participants from across the globe converging to discuss the future of tea, which the world body on the subject stressed.
Dr. Hall, speaking exclusively to The Island Financial Review highlighted the event’s theme, ‘Tea, A Lifestyle & A Livelihood,’ as central to its success. This theme emphasized the need to position tea as a versatile lifestyle choice and to enhance its value proposition among tea drinkers.
Dr. Hall added: ‘The Convention’s focus on consumption trends and encouraging younger generations to embrace tea aligns perfectly with UKTIA’s mission. By advocating for the health benefits of tea and supporting consumer campaigns, UKTIA aims to bolster tea consumption and adapt to evolving preferences.
‘Key trends discussed at the Convention included health-conscious choices. With a significant portion of young people opting for tea over alcohol, there is a growing trend towards health-conscious drinking. The UK’s younger demographic, particularly 18 to 29-year-olds, prefers tea for its taste and perceived health benefits.
‘Younger consumers are experimenting with tea pairings beyond traditional snacks. This presents an opportunity to introduce tea into various meal contexts.
‘The Convention addressed the gap in out-of-home tea consumption compared to coffee. Enhancing the value and experience of tea in cafes and takeaway settings is a crucial area for growth.
‘The rise of Bubble Tea and spiced chai is driving new consumer interest and could serve as gateways to broader tea consumption. These trends reflect a desire for innovative tea experiences.
‘One of the primary challenges discussed was the perception of tea’s value. As tea producers face increased regulatory and environmental demands, ensuring fair pricing and recognition of these efforts is essential. The Convention highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to valuing tea that considers all aspects of its production and benefits.
‘The importance of international collaboration in advancing the tea industry was stressed. The Convention served as a platform for fostering partnerships and initiating working groups to address the industry’s challenges and opportunities.
‘With tea already being the second most consumed beverage globally, the future looks promising. UKTIA is preparing for future developments by focusing on sustainability and on enhancing consumer experience.
‘The Colombo International Tea Convention set the stage for a dynamic future for the tea industry. By addressing current trends, challenges, and opportunities, the Convention highlighted the potential for tea to evolve and thrive in the global market. As actions and collaborations from the Convention take shape, the industry looks poised for a bright future, driven by innovation and a renewed appreciation for tea’s diverse offerings.’
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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