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Two Aitken Spence companies rank in the top 10 Most Awarded by LMD

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Aitken Spence PLC and the Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC emerge in the top 10 Most Awarded by LMD. Aitken Spence is the only Group that has two companies in the top 10 ranking. This is an inaugural edition of the Most Awarded ranks of the nation’s most revered corporations. Aitken Spence (19 awards) and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings (18) round off the top 10 in the Most Awarded listing for 2019/20. The total number of awards describe the cumulative awards won between January 2019 and September 2020.

These are outstanding achievements both at home and abroad, bringing immense pride to the business community and nation as a whole. Aitken Spence PLC and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC are honoured to be in the top 10 among the 125 of the organisations that make up the complete rankings.

Commenting on this honour, Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Aitken Spence PLC said, “Our efforts are not targeted towards solely winning awards. However, winning an award sharpens our focus and gives us valuable external perspectives. It is one means of monitoring, measurement and compels innovation. In all award platforms, we have consistently shared our performance, and we have used their feedback to improve our processes.”

“It brings us together to celebrate the efforts of our hard-working teams and is a powerful validation of the work they have done. It is also a reflection of how we are perceived,” he further commented.

With an indisputable repute as one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering corporates, Aitken Spence is a blue-chip conglomerate anchored to a heritage of excellence spanning over 150 years. Listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983, Aitken Spence is a responsible enterprise driven by over 13,000 employees across 9 countries, in hotels, travels, maritime, freight and logistics solutions, plantations, power generation, insurance, printing, apparel and other services. Creating opportunities for Sri Lanka across new frontiers, Aitken Spence PLC is an organisation committed to the development of Sri Lanka.



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Ceylon Tea conquers Libya: Exports leap 416%

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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

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Fits Retail and Abans unveil exclusive DeLonghi Premium Coffee experience

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The iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at Abans showroom

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.

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Ceyline Group and Lion Brewery Forge a Sustainable Future with Eco-Friendly Warehousing and Distribution.

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Mr. Rajiv Meewakkala Chief Executive Officer Lion Brewery & Mr. Piyal De silva Deputy Chairman Ceyline Group

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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