Business
RPCs put the ball in trade unions’court
Rs. 1,000 minimum daily wage demand
During a meeting last Friday between Minster of Labour Nimal Siripala de Silva and Chairmen of all Sri Lankan Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs), a final proposal was submitted towards ensuring a ‘sustainable’ earnings model for tea estate workers, making it the trade unions’ responsibility to take the next action on the long-standing pain point of the industry.
This proposal takes into consideration the sustainability of both the industry and livelihoods of plantation workers, RPCs said.
“After a very productive meeting with the minister, RPCs have arrived at a final consensus on what we can sustainably offer, while providing the highest possible earnings potential for our workers. Our final offer amounts to a 30% increase in earnings on the fixed model, and there is no upper limit to what workers can earn under the productivity-linked components. This is the first step to modernising our entire industry, and moving beyond a basic daily wage system which is a relic of the colonial era and long overdue for an update,” they said.
“We have gone well beyond the Rs. 1,000 daily wage demand of Trade Unions, and this follows a 40% increase from just two years ago. At a time when others in the apparel and leisure sector are slashing wages and retrenching workers, ours is one of the precious few export industries which has shielded our employees from the negative impacts of the pandemic, and is actively pursuing a wage increase. This is no easy feat, and without improvements in productivity, it will still be extremely difficult for any RPC to remain financially sustainable. There is clear understanding from the government on our position, and it is now up to Trade Unions to make the right decision,” Chairman, Plantation Services Group, Employers’ Federation of Ceylon said.
Under the final proposal, RPCs are offering a fixed daily wage of Rs. 1,105, with the re-introduction of attendance and productivity incentives – a feature which Trade Unions had strongly and consistently opposed in the past, but have since reversed their position in the most recent negotiations.
The breakdown is as follows: Basic Wage – Rs. 700, EPF/ETF – Rs. 105, Attendance Incentive – Rs. 150 and Productivity Incentive – Rs. 150. Under the new proposal, workers will receive a substantial Rs. 6,250 increase to their monthly earnings.
Further to the revised daily wage model, RPCs also propose the implementation of productivity-linked earning components to ensure that workers are finally provided effective incentives and are rewarded for increasing their productivity.
The proposed fixed daily wage model will be implemented 3 days a week, and on the remaining days, RPCs have called for one of two productivity-based models to be implemented based on how suitable they would be to each RPC’s unique capacity – enabling workers to earn far more than the fixed Rs. 1,105.
Under the productivity-linked component, employees can earn Rs. 50 (inclusive of EPF/ETF) for every kilo of tea leaf plucked. In the case of Rubber, this would amount to Rs. 125 (inclusive of EPF/ETF) for every kilo of rubber latex.
Alternatively, employees will be remunerated based on a revenue share model, offering greater earnings, similar to what has long been practiced with success in the smallholder sector in Sri Lanka. Companies who do not wish to continue with either of these models, will reserve the right (at their sole discretion), to continue with the standard daily wage system.
Currently, the Cost of Production (COP) of tea amounts to Rs. 615 a day, higher than any other tea producing nation in the world. Out of this, cost of labour accounts for 63% of the total cost of production. With the proposed increase in daily earnings to Rs. 1,105, the COP will increase up to Rs. 730 a day. Unfortunately, increasing cost of production is expected to be met with stagnant prices in local and international markets, further annihilating the economic viability of the industry.
Previously, the auction price of RPC tea reached an all-time high of Rs. 601 per kg on average (USD 3.99) in 2017 and has since plunged to Rs. 581/kg (USD 3.16). However, Sri Lanka’s global market price for tea has become increasingly uncompetitive, especially in comparison to USD 1.94 for tea at the Mombasa auction in Kenya. Competitors like Kenya have seen a significant increase – as much as 50% – in crop output which has resulted in an oversupply in the global tea market, forcing the market price of tea to reduce further.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has announced an international call for proposals to develop two 50 MW wind farm facilities in Mullikulam on a Build, Own & Operate (BOO) basis. The initiative aims to bolster Sri Lanka’s renewable energy capacity, aligning with the government’s strategy to increase the share of clean energy in the national grid.
The bidding process, launched on behalf of the Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee, invites local and international project proponents to finance, design construct and maintain the wind farms under a 20-year agreement. The deadline for proposal submissions is June 12, 2025.
A senior electrical engineer at the CEB, speaking on the significance of the project, told The Island Financial Review: “This initiative is a crucial step towards achieving Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals. Wind power is a key component of our strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.”
According to the CEB, interested parties can obtain the Request for Proposal (RFP) document by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs. 300,000 (or USD 1,035 for foreign applicants). The RFP provides comprehensive details on project requirements and evaluation criteria.
“Given the global shift towards clean energy, we expect strong interest from both local and international developers. This project not only supports our sustainability targets but also creates investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s energy sector, the engineer added.
The wind farm project is part of a broader initiative to achieve 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, a key target set by the Ministry of Energy. Experts believe that projects like these will play a vital role in stabilizing electricity supply and reducing carbon emissions.
by Ifham Nizam
LOLC once again emerges as the “People’s Financial Services Brand of the Year”, securing the prestigious title bestowed at the SLIM Kantar People’s Choice Awards 2025 for an unparalleled ninth consecutive year. This recognition, conferred through a comprehensive consumer research, reflects the brand’s firm connection with the Sri Lankan people and its consistent leadership in financial services.
Unlike many industry awards, the SLIM Kantar People’s Choice Awards is determined by independent consumer research conducted by Kantar, a global leader in brand insights. Instead of relying on a judging panel, this recognition is purely based on public perception, brand recall, and customer loyalty, making it one of the most authentic measures of a brand’s standing. Securing this title for ninth consecutive years highlights LOLC’s deep-rooted connection with its customers and its ability to evolve with their changing needs while maintaining a firm commitment to excellence.
Kapila Jayawardena-
Group Managing
Director/CEO of LOLC
Holdings PLC
LOLC’s continued success is driven by its assurance to financial empowerment, innovation, and inclusiveness. It has redefined accessibility to financial services by reaching underserved communities and pioneering digital transformation. Beyond its core financial solutions, LOLC is a brand that stands with the people, for the people, embodying resilience and hope through the years. In times of crisis, be it economic hardships or global disruptions, LOLC has remained a pillar of strength, stepping in when the nation needed it most. This deep-rooted connection with the people is what truly sets LOLC apart. The company has also been recognized for initiatives that create real social impact, such as the Divi Saviya Humanitarian Project, which uplifts vulnerable communities through sustainable support.
Orient Finance PLC has reported an outstanding financial performance for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2024, showcasing significant growth in key financial indicators compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
The Company recorded a remarkable 161% increase in profit after tax, reaching Rs. 254.6 million compared to Rs. 97.6 million in the same period of the previous year. Net interest income surged by 37%, amounting to Rs. 1.66 billion from Rs. 1.21 billion, demonstrating strong portfolio growth and enhanced operational efficiencies.
Total assets expanded by 28%, rising to Rs. 25.3 billion, while loans and receivables increased by 36% to Rs. 19.76 billion. The Company’s deposit base grew to Rs. 15.12 billion, marking a 19% increase, reflecting continued customer confidence. Meanwhile, total equity improved by 12%, standing at Rs. 3.86 billion.
Earnings per share (EPS) grew 163% to Rs. 1.21, up from Rs. 0.46, while net assets per share (NAPS) rose by 12% to Rs. 18.27.
For the month of December 2024, Orient Finance reported a Cost-to-Income Ratio of 68%, reflecting continued efforts towards cost management amidst challenging market conditions. The Gross Non-Performing Loan (NPL) Ratio stood at 9.62%, while the Provision Cover was maintained at a healthy 65.37%, demonstrating company’s prudent approach to credit risk management. As the quarter ended 31st December 2024, Orient Finance’s Tier 1 Capital Ratio stood at 13.14%, with the Total Capital Ratio recorded at 13.16%, both remaining comfortably above the minimum regulatory requirements.
Commenting on the results, Rajendra Theagarajah, Chairman of Orient Finance PLC, stated, “These exceptional results underscore our commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence. Our focus on innovation and customer-centric financial solutions has strengthened our position in the market. As we continue to evolve, we remain dedicated to offering innovative financial products that meet the diverse needs of our customers while driving long-term shareholder value.”
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