February 02, Colombo (LNW): Showery conditions over the island is expected to be reduced from today (02), according to the Department of Meteorology.

A few showers may occur in Batticaloa, Ampara and Mullaittivu districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Rathnapura and Galle districts in the evening or night.

Mainly fair weather will prevail over the other areas of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Uva and Southern provinces during the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

The first Colombo Tea Auction of 2025 took place on Friday, January 31, marking a historic return to the traditional auction room at the Chamber of Commerce. This comes four years after the auction transitioned to a digital platform in response to the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

Established in 1883, the Colombo Tea Auction is the world’s oldest tea auction and continues to operate twice weekly, trading approximately 6.5 million kilograms of various tea grades. I

n an effort to preserve this heritage, the Colombo Tea Traders’ Association has committed to conducting live outcry auctions once a quarter, ensuring that the art of auctioning is not lost.

The association’s Chairman and Committee emphasize the importance of maintaining industry traditions while fostering engagement among brokers, buyers, and sellers—just as they have for over 135 years.

The recent outcry auction featured 948 lots, totaling nearly 1 million kilograms of Ex-Estate teas. Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC initiated the auction, sparking lively bidding.

The return to in-person sales created an atmosphere of excitement as seasoned traders and a new generation of participants engaged in face-to-face negotiations.

The fast-paced sale, averaging over four lots per minute, was accompanied by animated exchanges and competitive bargaining, reviving the energy of pre-pandemic auctions.

While the traditional format made a strong comeback, the digital auction platform remained active, with the majority of tea offerings sold online.

This hybrid approach ensured a smooth transition while catering to a broader market. At this auction, a total of 6.4 million kilograms of tea was successfully sold, reflecting strong global demand.

Sri Lankan tea, globally recognized as Ceylon Tea, has an extraordinary legacy. What began as an experimental crop on a 19-acre plantation in 1867 has grown into an industry that satisfies 19% of global demand. Known for its distinctive taste and aroma,

Sri Lanka has become the world’s third-largest tea exporter. The industry also plays a crucial economic role, being the nation’s largest employer and supplying tea to prestigious events such as the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

Ceylon Tea is distinguished not only for its quality but also for its environmental and ethical credentials.

It is recognized as the world’s cleanest tea in terms of pesticide residues, a status confirmed by the ISO Technical Committee. Sri Lanka also pioneered the “Ozone Friendly Tea” label under the Montreal Protocol Treaty and holds the title of the world’s first Ethical Tea Brand, endorsed by the United Nations Global Compact.

Beyond its economic significance, Sri Lanka’s tea industry thrives amidst breathtaking landscapes. The country produces a diverse range of teas, shaped by unique geographical and climatic conditions.

Low-grown teas, cultivated below 2,000 feet, are known for their rich color and strength, making them ideal with milk. Mid-grown teas (2,000–4,000 feet) offer a balanced flavor, while high-grown teas (above 4,000 feet) are prized for their delicate golden liquor and intense aroma. Some estates also produce rare silver tips, yielding a light straw-colored infusion best enjoyed plain.

With centuries of expertise and continuous innovation, Sri Lanka remains a dominant force in the global tea market. The revival of outcry auctions serves as a tribute to tradition while ensuring the industry remains adaptable to modern trade demands.

The Sri Lankan Government has unveiled a transformative approach to managing State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), advocating for a modernized model that integrates public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Speaking at the Sri Lanka Economic Summit, organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma emphasized the need to move beyond traditional business structures and harness both public and private sector strengths to drive economic growth, optimize efficiency, and unlock untapped potential.

 Drawing insights from countries that have successfully balanced State participation with private sector involvement, Dr. Suriyapperuma highlighted that the debate should not solely focus on whether the Government should run businesses but rather on the effectiveness and governance of SOEs.

He noted that State intervention remains vital in sectors where private entities are hesitant to invest, particularly in infrastructure and essential public services. However, once these industries mature and attract private investment, continued Government competition may no longer be necessary.

“Governments should operate businesses that are efficiently managed and serve areas where private involvement is limited or unfeasible. But as these industries evolve and private investors enter, we must reassess our role,” he stated.

The Minister underscored the potential of PPPs in enhancing the efficiency and scalability of SOEs. By allowing private entities to infuse capital and expertise while retaining Government oversight, these partnerships could improve competitiveness and ensure long-term sustainability.

He also pointed out that some SOEs, despite being profitable, have untapped opportunities that could be leveraged through private sector participation.

Certain SOEs can remain under Government control, but others would benefit significantly from private investments. Our goal is to explore how these entities can better contribute to economic progress, expand into new markets, and attract capital,” he added.

Recognizing the challenges of implementing reforms, particularly due to skepticism from employees and other stakeholders, Dr. Suriyapperuma reassured that the Government is committed to national interests and has a clear mandate for transformation.

 He stressed that reforms will prioritize national objectives over sectoral or individual interests, making future negotiations with stakeholders more constructive.

“The landscape has changed. People expect us to find the best solutions for the country rather than catering to narrow interests. This confidence gives us the leverage needed to implement necessary changes,” he stated.

The Government’s strategy will remain flexible, acknowledging that while some SOEs should remain under State control, others may require restructuring or privatization to enhance productivity and profitability.

Additionally, the administration is keen on creating new enterprises to harness untapped resources, with an emphasis on sustainable development and innovation.

Dr. Suriyapperuma rejected the notion that SOEs are a burden, instead positioning them as key drivers of national growth. “Whether they remain State-owned, engage in PPPs, or transition to private ownership, our goal is to maximize their contribution to the economy,” he emphasized.

Additionally, he introduced a potential fourth model: Public-Private-People Partnerships (PPPPs), which would involve community stakeholders in the decision-making process. This model aims to ensure that economic benefits are widely distributed, fostering inclusive development and a more participatory approach to governance.

With a renewed focus on strategic partnerships, efficiency, and innovation, the Government is poised to reshape the role of SOEs, positioning them as vital engines of economic progress in Sri Lanka.

Browns Agriculture, a leader in farm mechanisation and modernisation in Sri Lanka for over 150 years, has introduced two revolutionary products to its portfolio: the new TAFE tractor model, Dynatrack, and the Browns Sumo Rice Mill.

These innovations reflect Browns Agriculture’s dedication to providing comprehensive solutions that integrate fertilisers with cutting-edge technology, enhancing productivity, improving quality, and addressing the evolving demands of both pre- and post-harvest agricultural needs.

Sanjaya Nissanka, Cluster COO – Agriculture and Heavy Equipment at Browns, highlighted the company’s longstanding legacy, stating, “For 150 years, Browns has turned challenges into opportunities, earning the trust of generations.

We introduced Sri Lanka’s first-ever four-wheel tractor, the Massey Ferguson, revolutionising farming practices and fostering the country’s green revolution. Today, we continue to equip farmers with advanced tools that enhance productivity, sustainability, and economic growth.”

The newly launched TAFE Dynatrack tractor marks a significant advancement in agricultural technology. Featuring a robust Simpson engine, it delivers superior fuel efficiency and profitability. Designed for versatility across various terrains, it includes a super-shuttle lever for seamless gear shifts and a 12×12 gear system.

With a lifting capacity of up to two tonnes, the Dynatrack tractor is equipped with Dyna Lift hydraulics and a high-capacity pump for efficient attachment handling. Its advanced features, including a dual-diaphragm clutch system, ultra-planetary drive technology, and portal-type front axle, ensure durability. The Quadra PTO system further enhances compatibility with diverse farming implements.

Alongside the Dynatrack tractor, Browns Agriculture has also launched the Sumo Rice Mill, setting a new standard in rice milling technology. Developed by Browns IT, this IoT-enabled, fully automated mill allows real-time monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and remote alerts via an advanced equipment management system accessible from laptops or mobile devices.

Designed to produce high-quality rice exceeding conventional standards, the Sumo Rice Mill is user-friendly, requiring only one operator. It tracks operational records, provides predictive maintenance alerts, and optimises performance to extend machine longevity.

Capable of processing up to 1,000 kg of parboiled or raw paddy per hour, the mill is 40% more energy-efficient than traditional models. Its 18.5 kW polisher motor ensures single-cycle polishing, reducing broken rice while maximising whole grain yield.

Additionally, a unique husk grinding mechanism eliminates the need for husk storage by converting it into powder, enhancing storage and operational efficiency.Nissanka reaffirmed Browns Agriculture’s mission, stating, “We aim to provide holistic solutions to the challenges farmers face. By offering innovative tools, resources, and continuous support, we empower the agricultural community, drive economic growth, and contribute to food security. Our commitment lies in nurturing agri-entrepreneurs and cultivating a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s agriculture.”

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued two new gazette notifications related to vehicle imports, focusing on taxation policies.

One gazette outlines the tax structure for electric vehicles, aiming to regulate EV imports and promote sustainable transport. The second gazette specifies the luxury tax on high-end vehicles, ensuring a progressive taxation systemfor premium automobile imports.

These measures reflect the government’s economic strategy to balance environmental sustainability, revenue generation, and import regulations in Sri Lanka’s vehicle market.

Electric Vehicle Tax

Luxury Vehicle Tax

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, stated that the U.S. apparel manufacturing sector is projected to generate USD 365 billion in revenue in 2025, highlighting potential benefits for Sri Lankan businesses looking to expand operations in the U.S.

Speaking at the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters’ Association’s annual general meeting, she emphasized that Sri Lankan companies could take advantage of reduced shipping times, lower tariffs, and quicker market response by setting up operations in the United States.

Ambassador Chung also pointed out that with the new U.S. administration, the country remains open for business, expecting a rise in investments and trade opportunities. She encouraged Sri Lankan companies to view U.S. expansion as a strategic move to build a resilient and competitive future in the global market.

She further acknowledged the Sri Lankan government’s commitment to good governance and stressed that foreign investors prioritize transparent procurement processes, fair competition, and the enforcement of contracts.

The night mail train service between Colombo Fort and Kankesanthurai has resumed operations after a nearly two-year suspension due to the modernization of the Northern Railway Line.

Railways Department General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara confirmed that the service restarted yesterday, marking a significant step in restoring long-distance rail connectivity.

Train Schedule:

• Departure: 8:00 PM from Colombo Fort
• Arrival: 4:35 AM at Kankesanthurai

The resumption of this express mail train is expected to provide convenient and efficient transport for passengers traveling between the North and the capital.