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CaFFE and Carter Centre Host Workshop on Online Safety for Women Candidates in Upcoming Election

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October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE), with support from the Carter Centre, held an online safety workshop on Monday (28) for women candidates contesting the upcoming Parliamentary Election. The workshop focused on strategies for maintaining digital security and protecting personal information online.

Dr. Gabrielle Bardall, a Digital Hygiene and Safety Expert from the Carter Centre, guided 36 female candidates, including former MPs, on best practices for digital hygiene. Emphasizing the “Share Minimum Information” (SMI) approach, Dr. Bardall outlined methods to help prevent unnecessary attention and offered strategies for handling online harassment.

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake delivered the guest lecture. Other key speakers included Claire Goldman, Program Associate of the Carter Centre’s Democracy Programme; Manjula Gajanayake, Manager of the Carter Centre’s Sri Lanka project; Deputy Commissioner of Elections Piumi Atigala; CaFFE Executive Director Manas Makeen; and CaFFE Director of Administration Surangi Ariyawansa.

Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay in shock after terror threat to Israeli tourists

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The golden sands of Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay are usually carefree, a place for tourists to surf the famous break and relax on the beach.

But last week, the slow rhythm of the bay was dealt a shock. The US embassy, followed up by Sri Lankan police and Israel’s national security council, warned of a serious terrorist threat in the area. Israeli travellers were believed to be the intended target of a planned attack and were told to evacuate immediately. Hundreds of police and senior intelligence officials descended on the small coastal town, setting up patrols and road blocks.

While Sri Lankan police officials and government ministers kept the nature of the threat vague, one thing was made clear; it was seen as directly linked to the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Officials who spoke off the record said investigations indicated the threat had originated in Iran and was intended as “revenge” for Israel’s regional attacks. A Sri Lankan national based in Iraq was among three people arrested by anti-terrorism police.‘When I surf I feel so strong’: Sri Lankan women’s quiet surfing revolution

“From last October there were parties who were at war against each other,” said Priyantha Weerasooriya, Sri Lanka’s acting inspector general of police, at a press conference. “That has now spread to other parts of the world.”

In Arugam Bay, there was surprise that the fallout from the Middle East had reached their coastal idyll. The area’s popularity with Israeli travellers, many whom visit after mandatory military service, has soared in recent years. While some pass through as surfers and tourists, others have taken advantage of long-term visas to set up their own restaurants, bars and tourism companies often catering to other Israelis, with Hebrew signage evident across the town. A local official said there were often more than 1,000 Israelis staying in the area in high season.

Arugam Bay beach with boats, thatched roof buildings and palm trees at first light.
Arugam Bay beach at first light, Sri Lanka. Photograph: Mark Daffey/Alamy

Police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa said one of the targets of the recent threat was the Chabad House, a Jewish community centre.

Zulfi Faizer, 39, a tour guide, said that locals in the area, who are predominately Muslim, largely had no issues with the Israeli presence, which had brought in lucrative tourist dollars. “This area is mostly run by Israeli tourists,” said Faizer. “Majority of Muslims live in this area and there was no problem with them. We did business with them. Good Islam people are not against them.”https://544ee195a8f0cde5311c2f6e3b34b7a0.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html?n=0

He emphasised that the establishment of the Jewish community centre had not caused issues and Muslim locals freely mingled with Israeli tourists, but said there had been friction after some Israelis were accused of trying to buy up swathes of land and undercutting locals. Local politician Rehan Jayawickreme last week accused Israelis in the area of “illegal business practices” and fuelling instability. There have also been accusations that cultural norms around modest dressing were not being respected.

Faizer said he was among those locals, who in the wake of the apparent security threat, were now in favour of a ban on tourists from Israel. However, Israelis make up just 1.5% of the 1.5 million tourists who visited Sri Lanka in the first nine months of this year.

“Them coming here used to be good for us, but now we have a problem,” he said. “If an attack is carried out on them our people will also die.”

Sri Lanka has in the past been hit by terrorist attacks.

In April 2019, the biggest luxury hotels, as well as churches, were hit in Islamist suicide bombings that killed 270 people, 45 of them foreigners. It was found that intelligence about the attack had been ignored by the government and security services. Combined with the Covid pandemic, it took years for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry to recover as it has also grappled with the worst economic crisis in its history, which has left the country bankrupt and even more reliant on dollars brought in by tourism.

A security official stands guard outside St Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo in 2019, two days after the church was hit in a series of bomb blasts.
A security official stands guard outside St Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo in 2019, two days after the church was hit in a series of bomb blasts. Photograph: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images

Vijitha Herath, minister of public security, said all the at-risk areas had ongoing special police protection and a security council meeting had been convened.

“A special situation arose because Israeli nationals are in the country as tourists. This month marks a year since the war started in the Middle East. Therefore, Israeli nationals hold religious ceremonies during this time. The suspicion was that some disturbance would be made at these places,” he told reporters.

By the end of last week, almost every Israeli had been evacuated from Arugam Bay. One of the few remaining was Miller Maoz, 59, who retired to Arugam Bay in 2019 after first falling in love with the area as a surfer back in 1991.

He said he had always been welcomed by the local Muslim population. “They don’t mind politics and they appreciate Israelis,” he said. “Israelis are not welcome all over the world, especially after the war started, but the hospitality here is amazing.”

He expressed scepticism at the threats in the area. “I don’t see any real proof of what people are saying is going on,” said Maoz. “They say that a terrorist group is coming around here to target us. But why come to Arugam Bay to kill Israelis?

THE GUARDIAN

NPP Outlines Vision for Tourism and Economic Growth, Expects $8.5 Billion in Tourism Revenue by 2025

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October 30, Colombo (LNW): National People’s Power (NPP) Kalutara District Team Leader for the upcoming General Election, Nalinda Jayatissa, projected that Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is set to generate an impressive $8.5 billion in revenue by 2025. Speaking to the Daily News in Colombo, Jayatissa shared NPP’s comprehensive plan to boost annual tourist arrivals to four million through a structured program designed to attract more visitors and increase sector income.

He highlighted that the government is prioritizing the tourism sector by enhancing infrastructure and resources. This includes the expansion of facilities at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), with construction of a second terminal now underway in collaboration with the Japanese government to accommodate rising visitor numbers.

Jayatissa also noted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, internationally regarded as an “anti-corruption president,” could attract significant foreign direct investment, boosting both national and rural economic development. Alongside major infrastructure projects, he emphasized initiatives for rural economic development, improved welfare, and livelihood empowerment as key goals.

To further strengthen economic growth, Jayatissa outlined NPP’s commitment to fully digitizing public services for enhanced efficiency and ease of access. This initiative is part of a broader anti-corruption agenda, aimed at creating a production-based economy and attracting renowned foreign investments. Confident in NPP’s support, Jayatissa predicted his party would secure eight out of 11 seats in the Kalutara District in the General Election.

No Appointments And There’s No Knowledge Of Any Appointees: Who, Then, Is Accountable For The Sponsors’ Funds?

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October 29, (LNW) Colombo: Sports Director General Shemal Fernando has confirmed to us and other media that he has not appointed the names of the committee appointed to run the Rugby League tournament which is being advertised these days.

Meanwhile, according to The Morning newspaper, former Sri Lankan player Rohan Abeykoon, who has reportedly been named chairman of the sponsoring committee for the publicized committees, states he is unaware of such an appointment.

“I was unaware that my name was included in the committees. All I can say is that I have not received any official confirmation of such an appointment, and you should verify this with the Sports Ministry DG” Rohan told The Morning newspaper.

This situation is extremely dangerous, and if sponsors have already spent money for the tournaments, questions arise regarding who will manage these funds and who will be held accountable. Even now, information is being reported that they are facing a number of problems regarding irregularities and transparency in accounting affairs, and the names of those who have been named in its responsibilities using the temporary rugger control, are also being read in relation to dollar earning tree businesses.

In order to prevent the Director General of Sports from bringing any amendments to the Sri Lanka Rugby Constitution without limiting any of these criticisms, the Provincial Unions have now obtained a restraining order against Dr. Shemal Fernando before the Court of Appeal. In spite of this, saying that the international and Asian associations have more influence than the court decision in this country, they are trying to amend the constitution and delaying the necessary activities for the office election.

Due to this situation, World Rugby’s global governing body has postponed the original deadline of November 8, given to Sri Lanka Rugby to amend its constitution to January 31, 2025.

During that period, the updated decision of the court, the Director General should proceed according to the decision to hold the special general meeting held before the election without interfering with the constitutional amendment and hold the office election, and the appointed administration should be allowed to contact the global governing body of World Rugby and go for the necessary constitutional amendment. The general is stubbornly trying to do it himself.

Although it appears to be according to the wishes of the world rugby, the question arises whether the country’s sports administration can circumvent its courts and act accordingly.

The Rugby administration was dissolved by former minister Harin Fernando for failing to hold the general assembly meeting before the annual cut-off date of May 31. But it was surprising that the director general used the same people from the failed administration for rugby administration, saying that it was according to the agreement of the minister and the World Rugby. The Director General lacks any written documentation regarding the agreement between World Rugby and the Minister. Furthermore, no notice has been provided to World Rugby regarding the objections raised by the regional associations that have voting rights concerning the appointments. Additionally, no actions have been taken to inform World Rugby that assigning management responsibilities to individuals from a dissolved administration is unethical.

Shemal Fernando, a well-known military officer with a significant role in sports administration who has worked diligently to send selected athletes to the Olympics in recent years, cannot be presumed to be unaware of any of the aforementioned issues given his experience. It appears that he has disregarded his experience and knowledge, choosing instead to follow the directives of political authorities without weighing the right and wrong of the situations.

*Adapted from original article, “පත් කරලත් නැහැ පත් කරපු අය දන්නෙත් නැහැ අනුග්‍රාහකයන්ගේ මුදල්වලට වගකියන්නේ කවුද?” by Nishman Ranasinghe published on 29/10/2024.

The Easter Day Carnage: A Mirage or what? 

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By A Grieving Catholic 

Anura Dissanaike, an avowed Marxist, was elected President with support from the Catholic coastal belt spanning from the Archdiocese of Colombo to the Diocese of Chilaw, led by the Catholic clergy. This shift is rooted in a desire for transformation—moving away from a history of flawed democratic representation toward new possibilities for accountability. In this case, it includes a call to bring to justice those responsible for the Easter Day carnage, along with past political figures alleged to have engaged in corruption. Notably, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith endorsed Anura over Sajith, who had been supportive of the Church in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. This support mirrors the Catholic community’s earlier backing of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a “savior” figure, only to later find their expectations unfulfilled.

Catholic Community 

The Archdiocese of Colombo, founded in 1845, has historically been the flagship of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. In the past, leaders like Cardinal Thomas Cooray, Archbishops Nicholas Marcus Fernando, and Oswald Gomis have upheld a balanced and cautious relationship with political leaders, guiding their flock during times of national difficulty and maintaining the Church’s dignity. Many Catholics believe Cardinal Ranjith, however, has overstepped into political arenas, a departure from the stance of his esteemed predecessors. His endorsement of Gotabaya, along with his strong criticisms of the Yahapalana government, fueled allegations of partisanship. This alignment, perceived as unbalanced, alienated sections of the Catholic community and revealed potential oversights in attributing responsibility for the carnage.The previously cordial relationship between the Cardinal and the Rajapaksas has raised eyebrows. Despite the expectation that the Cardinal had distanced himself, instances such as officiating Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son’s marriage in the Church, bypassing certain protocols, and hosting Namal Rajapaksa, left room for doubt among the faithful about his true stance. Many Catholics now question whether his criticisms of the Rajapaksas have been genuine or mere political theater.

Drug Menace 

Cardinal Ranjith’s active participation in demonstrations against the drug menace with President Sirisena, while morally sound, also came with risks, as it effectively pitted the Church against dangerous elements within society. Sirisena’s failure to warn the Cardinal of potential threats to the Churches only underscored this danger. His more active political engagement marked a sharp departure from his predecessors’ approach of prudent distance from politics.

The aftermath of the Easter carnage, which ultimately benefited Gotabaya’s rise, fueled suspicions of a broader conspiracy. Cardinal Ranjith’s continued calls for accountability, directed at revealing the mastermind behind the attack, reportedly angered Gotabaya. Tensions between the state and the Church grew, with measures like the Muturajawela Gazette and the targeting of Church lands and Catholic households exacerbating the conflict. Appointing Gnanasara Thero—an outspoken critic of the Catholic Church—as head of a “One Country, One Law” task force underscored these hostilities. Policies on admissions in Catholic schools and other areas intensified concerns over religious balance in Catholic institutions.

The Future 

The Easter attack plotters and those accused of neglecting repeated warnings remain unpunished, despite numerous suspects in custody. Civil cases have seen figures like Maithripala Sirisena and former Defense Secretary Hemasiri Fernando fined for negligence, yet criminal accountability is still wanting. Principal suspects, including Tuan Suresh Salley, Gotabaya, and others, remain free from formal charges. Many now wonder whether the legal system will take action, or if the administration under Anura could finally bring justice.

As the Catholic community continues to question these unresolved issues, a sense of betrayal and disillusionment with political leaders lingers. The community places its trust in God for justice not living people. 

Govt takes proactive measures to prevent spread of porcine diseases

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October 30, Colombo (LNW): Amid a recent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) affecting pig populations, the Sri Lankan Government has issued an urgent gazette notification. This new directive, announced by the Director General of Animal Production and Health, Hemali Kothalawala, designates every Divisional Secretary’s division across the island as “infected” or “suspected” in an effort to control and prevent further spread of these diseases.

Key prohibitions under the Animal Diseases Act include:

  1. Movement Restrictions: Transport of pigs, pork, and related products within, into, or out of affected areas is prohibited to curb the spread of the virus.
  2. Slaughter Ban: Slaughter of any susceptible animals is banned in the designated regions.
  3. Breeding Suspension: Artificial breeding activities involving susceptible species are temporarily halted.
  4. Market and Event Suspension: Live animal markets, shows, and competitions involving susceptible species are canceled.
  5. Carcass Disposal Regulation: Carcasses suspected of ASF or PRRS infection must be handled carefully, prohibiting disposal in water bodies or access by other animals.

To enforce these measures, a team of officials from the Department of Animal Production and Health, including the Director of Animal Health, provincial directors, and veterinary surgeons, has been appointed as Authorized Officers. They are tasked with monitoring compliance and taking action against violations.

In addition to these measures, the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association has emphasized public vigilance, urging citizens to report any instances of pork sales, as a full ban on pork sales is in effect. Public Health Inspectors will enforce strict legal measures against unauthorized pork sales, ensuring food safety.

While ASF is not known to infect humans, the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association President, Upul Rohana, highlighted that the consumption of meat from infected animals remains unsafe. This government action underscores the priority on public health and economic stability for affected farmers, with anticipated government support for biosecurity guidance and financial assistance.

Sri Lanka-Indonesia Tourism Collaboration: Boosting Travel and Cultural Exchange

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October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta, together with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), recently launched a significant initiative to promote Sri Lankan tourism in Indonesia.

 Indonesia, with its $1 trillion GDP, stands as the world’s fourth-most populous country, housing over 270 million people and a fast-growing middle class of 180 million.

 Recognizing the potential of this market, KADIN’s tourism division welcomed the Sri Lankan Embassy’s efforts to introduce Indonesian travel agents to the appeal of Sri Lanka as a travel destination. 

The initiative highlighted Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural attractions, igniting excitement among Indonesians interested in global travel experiences.

Additionally, Indonesia has extended its support to Sri Lankan travel agents to encourage increased tourism exchanges between the two countries. 

In October 2024, the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo welcomed around 150 travel agents from Sri Lanka, including members of the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL) and the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka (IAASL), to Jakarta for their Annual General Meeting (AGM). 

At the event, Indonesian Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing congratulated the newly appointed leaders of these associations, Shanaka Fernando (TAASL President) and Romesh Samarayanake (IAASL President), acknowledging their roles in fostering stronger tourism ties between the two nations.

Support for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is also coming from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is working to bolster the sector’s resilience and sustainability.

 The ADB’s proposed initiatives are aimed at enhancing policy frameworks to better withstand global shocks while improving institutional structures and streamlining decision-making processes. 

Takafumi Kadono, ADB’s Country Director for Sri Lanka, emphasized that these actions are intended to aid Sri Lanka in increasing tourism revenue while safeguarding its natural assets, including conservation areas and whale-watching sites. 

Takeo Konishi, Director General of ADB’s South Asia Regional Department, highlighted the ongoing partnership with Sri Lanka to build a more resilient tourism sector.

The AGM event in Jakarta not only facilitated business discussions but also celebrated cultural exchanges, featuring a performance of the Ondel Lodeh Dance by the Sanggar Bumi Khatulistiwa troupe. 

Supported by Jakarta’s Tourism Departments, the dance captivated attendees, underscoring the cultural synergy between the two countries. 

Following the event, the Sri Lankan travel agents explored various landmarks in Jakarta, including the Sunda Kelapa Harbor, Museum Bahari, and the National Monument (Monas), while savoring local culinary specialties. 

This immersive cultural experience deepened their understanding of Indonesian heritage, strengthening the foundation for future tourism collaborations.

Ambassador Dewi expressed her full support for facilitating visa processes for Sri Lankans interested in visiting Indonesia, ensuring a smoother travel experience and further enhancing bilateral tourism exchanges. 

This collaborative effort between Sri Lanka and Indonesia is poised to open new doors for both nations, fostering mutual economic and cultural benefits through expanded travel connections.

Sri Lanka Design Festival 2024: Pioneering  South Asian Creative Revolution

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October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) is setting the stage for a transformative decade, establishing a unique narrative for South Asia’s creative industries through an expansive platform that blends design and innovation. 

The 15th edition of SLDF, organized by the Academy of Design (AOD), will be hosted at Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams from November 7-10, 2024, with a robust lineup of over 50 events, including fashion shows, thought leadership forums, exhibitions, and public discussions. 

This year’s festival emphasizes the theme of resilience, innovation, and Sri Lanka’s aspirations to establish itself as a leading creative hub within the global economy.

SLDF 2024 places a particular focus on India as its partner nation, inviting a dynamic array of Indian creatives such as eco-conscious fashion designers, graphic artists, influential business leaders, and public figures to participate. 

AOD’s Chairperson, Linda Speldewinde, highlights this collaboration as a powerful step toward fostering a distinctive South Asian creative identity.

 By positioning Sri Lanka as a bridge that connects South Asia’s diverse creative voices, SLDF aims to develop talent and regional cohesion that will meet international standards in creativity and design over the next decade.

 This partnership not only celebrates cultural exchange but also aims to strengthen the South Asian creative ecosystem by merging Sri Lanka’s strengths in ethical production with India’s retail prowess.

SLDF’s vision of a South Asian creative epicenter is reinforced by its mission to promote sustainable design and support creative economies. 

In addition to fostering collaborations in fashion, tourism, and technology, the festival seeks to encourage innovation in diverse fields, establishing design as a vital economic contributor within the region. 

The partnership with India also aligns with expanding South Asia’s apparel value chain, which aims to leverage India’s luxury travel and wedding markets while promoting Sri Lankan hospitality and craftsmanship on a larger scale.

The festival will host notable figures from the subcontinent, offering invaluable insights into the future of sustainable fashion, brand communication, and experiential luxury. 

Among the leading figures is Bandana Tewari, a lifestyle journalist and sustainability advocate renowned for her talks on compassionate fashion and conscious consumption. 

With her extensive experience as Vogue India’s former Editor-at-Large, Tewari will contribute her expertise in ethical fashion practices. 

Another prominent figure, V. Sunil, known for his work on India’s “Incredible !India” campaign and the “Make in India” initiative, has played a vital role in positioning India as a high-end tourist destination.

 His insights are expected to bring invaluable perspectives on brand-building and creative vision.Adding to the lineup is Vandana Mohan, founder of The Wedding Design Company (WDC), who has redefined luxury weddings, creating bespoke celebrations that capture the grandeur of Indian culture.

 Similarly, Deepak Jain, CEO of the amanté brand, will share his experience in growing a leading intimate wear label in South Asia. 

Lastly, Priti Mahajan, a specialist in brand and communication strategies, will offer expertise in destination building and luxury brand development, with her platform, The Lifestyle Project, driving artisan-focused collaborations.

SLDF 2024 aspires to drive a new narrative for Sri Lanka as a gateway to South Asia’s creative economy, establishing the festival as an annual rendezvous for global leaders, upcoming talents, and industry innovators. 

Rubber Industry Targets $2 Billion Revenue by 2030 through Innovation and Expansion

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October 30, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan rubber industry is striving to double its export income to $2 billion by 2030, up from its current $1 billion, as shared by Dr. Dilhara Edirisinghe, Head of the Rubber Technology and Development Department at the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, during the TechBiz Rubber Week event held at the Ramada Hotel.

Presently, over 85% of Sri Lankan rubber products are exported primarily to the U.S. and EU markets, with key products being tyres and gloves.

 This strong demand provides significant room for growth, especially in the solid tyre manufacturing sector, where Sri Lanka leads globally, supplying over 30% of the world’s demand. 

Additionally, Sri Lanka holds the fifth position globally in the glove manufacturing industry, with the sector employing more than 500,000 people in plantation and manufacturing roles.

Sri Lanka’s rubber products currently hold a modest 0.25% share of the global market, yet 80% of its revenue is derived from value-added products. 

There is considerable potential to diversify and broaden the range of rubber-based products, which could reduce imports and further bolster export earnings. 

The industry is also committed to sustainability efforts, particularly in substituting synthetic materials in rubber composites with natural alternatives. 

This shift will aid in creating environmentally friendly “green” products, aligning with global demands for sustainable manufacturing.

Vindya Wijesinghe, Senior Innovation Officer at Sri Lanka’s National Innovation Agency, emphasized that Sri Lankan rubber is uniquely odor-free, which presents an opportunity to brand it with geographical distinction similar to Ceylon cinnamon.

 She underscored the importance of research and development (R&D) investments, which can drive sustainable innovations in rubber manufacturing. Collaborative research with universities and institutes can foster advancements that will enhance the rubber industry’s long-term growth and global competitiveness.

Intellectual property (IP) and innovation are essential in positioning Sri Lankan rubber products effectively in international markets.

The National Innovation Agency, tasked with fostering the nation’s innovation ecosystem, aims to support commercialization and IP management in the rubber sector.

 Recognizing industry leadership, the TechnoBiz event honored three influential professionals—Thilak De Zoysa, Dr. Nanda Fernando, and Pierre Pringiers—by inducting them into the ‘Rubber World – Hall of Fame’ for their invaluable contributions to the Sri Lankan rubber industry.

With strategic investments, product diversification, and a strong focus on R&D, Sri Lanka’s rubber industry is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goal, increasing exports and cementing its global standing in the coming decade.

Lumbini Tea Factory receives First-Ever Global Certification for Sustainable Farming

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 In a significant achievement at a time of revitalization crucial for economic growth, the Lumbini Tea Factory in Deniyaya, Sri Lanka, has achieved the world’s first group ‘regenagri’ certification in recognition of its regenerative agricultural practices, benefiting 1,515 local contract farmers.

This certification, awarded with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), emphasizes the commitment of Lumbini Tea Valley to eco-friendly and sustainable tea cultivation.

‘Regenagri’ is an international program focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices that enhance soil health and improve the economic resilience of farming communities.

 At a modest event held at the Tea Tent retail outlet in Havelock City Mall, the certification was formally presented by Control Union Inspections Ltd. Sri Lanka’s Managing Director, Roshan Ranawake, to Chaminda Jayawardhana, Managing Director of Lumbini Tea Valley.

Expressing pride in this achievement, Jayawardhana acknowledged the dedication of their contract farmers and the critical support from USAID, which made this milestone possible. He noted that the 1,515 farmers, managing nearly 937.87 hectares of tea plantations, are paid premium rates for the green tea leaves they produce, further incentivizing quality and sustainability.

Sri Lanka’s tea industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, accounting for 4% of the country’s GDP and serving as a vital source of foreign exchange. 

However, the sector is challenged by fluctuating tea prices, high production costs, and the impacts of climate change. Through its CATALYZE Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity, 

USAID has partnered with Lumbini Tea Valley to promote sustainable agricultural practices and fair trade, which are vital for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.

Justin DiVenanzo, Acting Mission Director for USAID, emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing the pressing challenges facing Sri Lankan agriculture. 

He explained that sustainable farming certification offers farmers access to higher-value niche markets, increasing their incomes and motivating other agricultural businesses to adopt similar practices.

The ‘regenagri’ certification raises the bar for sustainability in the tea industry, enhancing soil health and boosting crop productivity while supporting farmers’ livelihoods. It also creates new market opportunities and the potential for premium pricing as consumer demand grows for sustainably sourced products.

This recognition for Lumbini Tea Valley marks a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka, setting an inspiring example for other tea producers and contributing positively to the agricultural sector’s future.