Business
Tea prices ‘good’ in 2020 with low growns as biggest contributor to high average
By Steve A. Morrell
The cumulative average of Rs. 628.21 (US$ 3.42) was the highest average recorded on all teas sold last year, the Forbes and Walker tea market report reported.
With steady increases in net sales averages throughout 2020, culminated in prices realized at the end of the year.
The industry described prices during the year as “good”. However, interestingly, although low growns were the highest contributor to the high average, high and mid growns also recorded substantial averages described as the highest on record. Low growns averaged Rs. 666/32 per kilo.
Brokers attributed the high prices to less tea available all year round with the exception of Kenya, which recorded distinctly positive crop returns.
India’s tea production was badly hit by the Covid-19 just as much as many other South East Asian countries. The disruption in the demand and supply mechanism influenced price increases in Colombo, they said.
The Sri Lanka Tea Board also contributed in positive terms to the high prices though active promotional campaigns. The crop position, 2020 year end, as reported by Asia Siyaka Tea Market Report, was 262.6 million kilos. Comparatively, 2019 recorded 284.3 million kilos, indicating a drop in both production years.
The reasons attributed were extreme dry weather in the first quarter 2020 affected crop intakes. The weather factored cropping patterns and irrespective of some mid-year respite recouping the shortfall could not be realized to ensure crop resurgence.
Irrespective of high prices realized, apart from five Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) which returned year end profits, there was no positive news from other RPCs.
The smallholder sector continued to record their positive trend contributing some 75 percent to the overall production result. The crop variance year-on-year was 83.6 million kilos.
Commenting on crop intakes that affected the global supply, the Asia Siyaka report further said Kenya’s increased production was 104 million kilos while India’s minus result was 142 million kilos.
A source from the Tea Factory Owners’ Association, who declined identification, said the tea factory sector also contributed to high prices by strictly maintaining manufacturing standards.
John Keells Tea Market report said the demand from Turkey, Iran, Russia, and CIS countries lent fair support. Libya and Iraq too were active in Colombo.
The report further said flowery grades were sold at prices in the range of Rs. 2,800. per kilo.
Business
HNB Assurance climbs 13 places on LMD 100 rankings
HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) made a significant ascent in the latest LMD 100 rankings climbing 13 places to reach rank 64, cementing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies. Throughout the past few years, HNB Assurance has grown stronger, smarter and more united in its purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and refining every aspect of its operations.
The LMD 100 is a prestigious annual ranking that evaluates the financial and strategic performance of publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka. HNB Assurance has consistently climbed the ranks year after year in recent years, reflecting the company’s sustained growth. With 2025 underway, HNB Assurance is planning to leverage its strengths and growth momentum maintained over the past couple of years, as this year represents the penultimate step in its ambitious journey toward achieving the vision of “10% market share by 2026”, a transformative goal that aims to redefine, elevate and position the company as a trailblazer in the industry.
Sharing his thoughts on the company’s new ranking, Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “Our upward trajectory in the LMD 100 rankings reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, the trust our customers have placed in us and our ability to adapt to the dynamic business landscape. At HNB Assurance, we remain committed to strengthening our core business, embracing innovation and delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”
“As we step into 2025, it is inspiring to reflect on our journey so far. By the end of Q3 2024, we achieved growth that was well above the industry average, a remarkable feat we’ve consistently maintained since 2022. This success has been driven by the exceptional efforts of our sales force both from the Advisor Distribution and Partnerships channels, alongside the support of all our teams. I must also add that our vision for ‘10 in 2026’ is not merely a corporate milestone, it embodies our broader aspiration to transform lives, uplift communities and set new benchmarks in the industry. As the countdown to this goal continues, we will maintain our growth, while continuing to stive and create a lasting impact on the lives of our policyholders.” added, Wimalaratne.
Business
Sri Lanka Insurance further Expand its presence to Naiwala
Sri Lanka Insurance further expands its presence in the Upper Western region with the opens its Naiwala Agency Business Development Center (ABDC) on the 12th of December at No.90/6/C, Airport Road, Naiwala junction, Veyangoda.
The occasion was graced by SLIC Life Chief Business Officer Namalee A. Silva, Deputy General Manager – National Sales (Life) Jagath Welgama, Upper Western regional management, Branch Management of Veyangoda representing Life and General categories. Distinguished invitees and customers of the area were also in attendance at the event.
Agency Business Development Centers (ABDC) allows SLIC to further enhance its reach, which provides convenience and speed of service delivery to its loyal customers in relation with their protection needs.
Business
CEAT Kelani Launches high-performance tractor tyre for Maha season
CEAT Kelani Holdings has introduced a new high-performance tractor tyre, the 13.6 – 28 PUDDLE XL TT 12PR, just in time for the harvest phase of the Maha cultivation season. Designed specifically for agricultural use, this innovative cross-ply tyre promises to enhance farming efficiency and tractor operations.
Compatible with leading tractor brands such as Sonalika, TAFE, John Deere, and Mahindra, the tyre features advanced design elements tailored for puddling operations. Its higher non-skid depth (NSD) ensures superior traction in wet and muddy conditions, while wide and angular lugs improve stability and grip. The tyre’s deep and open shoulders allow for effective self-cleaning, and reinforced carcass construction extends its lifespan, offering excellent value for farmers.
This is the sixth tractor tyre variant developed and manufactured locally by CEAT Kelani Holdings, showcasing the company’s dedication to the agriculture sector.
CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene noted that the tyre addresses the unique challenges faced during the harvest period. “It ensures improved performance, durability, and reliability, empowering farmers and operators to achieve better productivity,” he said.
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