Development and promotion of tea tourism

It was in 2008 that the State Government in India introduced tea tourism in North Bengal to attract both domestic and foreign tourists’ into tea plantation areas. The idea translated into a plan and implementation following the realization that tourists who visited Dooars areas had shown interest in staying in the tea gardens and see how tea leaves are plucked and processed apart from enjoying the serenity of lush green tea layers and the scenic beauty.

Tea tourism is indeed practiced in Sri Lanka too but the potential in the development of this segment is enormous with the strengths Sri Lanka has over others.

What this article implies is to explore more avenues to develop Tea Tourism in the mountains through public private partnership.

‘Ceylon Tea’ is a household name in almost all primary tourism markets, secondary segments and market niches. Those who visit the country for relaxation can choose a location in lush green tea plantations where a tranquil ambience prevails.The professionals from production to Exports in the tea sector in the country have spent their life time in careers in the promotion of ‘ Ceylon Tea’ irrespective of their respective brands and bulk form that was exported for centuries.

The awareness on the ‘Ceylon Tea’ has already been established. Buyers and consumers know where the tea comes from. Tourism needs to do a little push to strengthen the ‘Tea Tourism’ being practiced today to reap optimum results and benefits , particularly in the focused marketing efforts for high-end, high spending visitors into the country.

It is interesting for tea drinkers in tourist markets to know how their favourite ‘Ceylon tea’ reaches their kitchen shelves. Not many would still know that this very cup of tea that relieves them of their stress, goes through a gamut of production process before finally it is blended, packeted and exported and reaches the household. Primarily, the interest needs to be created to give potential visitors ‘ a unique experience’.

The visitors need to be provided the opportunity of walking through lavish plantations, learning about its history while staying at comfortable tea bungalows with best of comforts, enjoying and interacting with tea workers, trying out plucking tea leaves, and visit to tea factories. Most incentive travel groups are given this opportunity which needs to be extended to other package tours and independent travelers.

The idea is similar to the practice of the European Wine Tourism where the visitors are given a chance to go through the plantation and production process to learn about the wines they taste in most occasions.

Those who visit the country for relaxation can choose a location in lush green tea plantations where a tranquil ambience prevails. Some call it simply a heaven to get away from the rush world. Visitors will not travel to mountains at the cost of the beaches with the ever increasing arrivals. Only a wider choice is offered.

The added value is that some may opt to view the ‘sunrise’ from the top of Adams Peak which is one of the most beautiful sights of its kind with vivid colours and spectacular panoramic scene.  They would not miss the natural and man built lakes originating from the hills including Castlereagh , Mousakelle, Kotmale, Samanalaweva, Randenigala etc.

The enchanting natural water-falls also form the most beautiful landscapes one can imagine. The strength is that the cold climes could be reached within five hours from the hot and noisy capital. The deliberations to revive the tourist trains to upcountry will not only resolve the transport issue but also give this much sought after experience to the visitors to up country.

Horton Plains was declared a National Park in 1988 and is the highest plateau in the country. The highlight point ‘World’s End’ is visited by a large number of locals that is desirable to make ‘a must visit place’ for tourists too. Horton Plains is surrounded by the best tea growing areas in Uva to the east, Balangoda to the south, Dimbula to the west and Nuwara Eliya Planting region to the north.

Another strength is that tea tourism can be targeted to those who specially visit the country to witness the life during the British era.

A segment of affluent Indians for instance, aspire to experience ‘a bit of life style’ of then Britishers who were entrusted to look after the tea plantations.

Tailored, set up and trained personnel can offer this experience in colonial bungalows.

Having said that, with the large number of attractions and locations in the country, it may be difficult to make over emphasis to one area in an overall approach for sustainable tourism development. But the time is opportune to look at these segments for several reasons.

It is envisaged that optimum spread of tourism throughout the country in which the Tea Tourism is definitely a potential for further development.

The scenic beauty of the country can truly be seen on a journey to up country which would contribute largely to tourists saying Sri Lanka is truly a beautiful country.

Promotional efforts can ride on ‘Ceylon Tea’ which is a known brand. What is emphasized is to strengthen the strategy to offer the visitor an experience which would be taken back as a memory to be shared among the friends and relatives. This is a credible source of communication over all other modes and methods.

Last and not the least, Tea Tourism will cascade down the economic benefits to peripherals from the ‘ young ones’ who sell the beautiful flowers to the by passers to suppliers to hotels and other accommodation facilities, who are very much part of stakeholders of Tourism Industry in the country.

Source: Daily News

Dutch experts here for economic development help

Three PUM Experts from Netherlands arrived in Sri Lanka last week to assist Sri Lankan industrialists and support the country's economic development.

Netherlands PUM local representative S.P.C. Kumarasinghe said the three PUM Netherlands Senior Experts are Theo Dekker (Harbour Management), M. Broekhuizen (Energy Management) and Hank de Groot (a furniture specialist).
PUM Netherlands have assisted several industries manufacturing for exports from Sri Lanka including anthurium cultivation, Asparagus cultivation, dairy industry, Milk processing and manufacture of cheese, plastic decorative ornaments, Knitted garments, Tuna fish processing, rubber products, growing of button mushrooms, Paints and pastel industry, Kumarasinghe said.

More experts will arrive in Sri Lanka this year to assist the fishery harbour management, plastic products manufacture, bakery products, coconut milk products, dairy industry, installation of new milk and yoghurt processing line, energy management and environmentally friendly production systems in desiccated coconut manufacture, cleaning product, animal feed productions, furniture making, hotel management and Vocational training, Kumarasinghe said.

Kumarasinghe emphasised that every year the Netherlands Government sends volunteer experts through the "PUM Netherlands Senior Experts" program on request from local industries needing technical assistance.

Kumarasinghe said wherever necessary, PUM will provide training in the Netherlands to local applicants.

The PUM have offered training in the Netherlands to over 100 local technical staff, he added.

PUM Netherlands Senior Experts have assisted over 400 industries in Sri Lanka during the past 15 years. PUM Netherlands Senior Experts have appointed additional representative S.G. Punchihewa to cover entire Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka world’s Sapphire Capital

Sri Lanka has been celebrated for its gems almost since the dawn of history. It is an accepted fact that Sri Lanka is one of the largest sources of some of the finest gemstones in the world. There are a number of priceless treasures on permanent display in world famous museums, whose origins are traceable to Sri Lanka.


NGJA

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) was established by Parliamentary Act No. 50 of 1993, to develop, regulate and promote the gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka. The ‘NGJA’ replaced the State Gem Corporation (S.G.C) established in 1971, which focused mostly on the Gem industry in Sri Lanka, and engaged in purchasing, processing and marketing gems through its network of well appointed sales outlets. S.G.C. was involved in training, research and development and jewellery manufacturing as well.

Sri Lanka is one of the largest sources of some of the finest gemstones in the world.
The present day ‘NGJA’ is mandated to develop, regulate and promote the industry in the capacity of a facilitator. Keeping in line with the Government’s development strategy, which emphasizes on development of industries, employment generation and encouraging value addition; gem and jewellery industry has been identified as one of the thrust areas of export development. The ‘NGJA’ is mandated by the Government of Sri Lanka to spearhead and play a leadership role facilitating the industry on a focused path while upholding the best interest of all the Stakeholders. The thirty year long war against terrorism was a factor which slowed down the country’s economic progress and impeded its efforts to harness Sri Lanka’s natural advantages and the creative energies of her people to accelerate development in the economic and social sectors.

The industry

The Government of Sri Lanka being aware of the huge challenges facing the gem and jewellery industry, through successive budget proposals introduced far reaching measures intended for the expansion and growth of the industry. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority in turn, took the initiative by sponsoring capacity-building programs, assisting exporters to find new markets, facilitating loan schemes aimed at providing financial assistance to the SMEs in the sector, encouraging jewellery exporters to use modern designs, advanced technology in production, cutting costs by more automation and encouraged jewellery exporters to move away from mass marketing and focus more attention on craving market niches overseas.

With a view to promote Sri Lankan gems and jewellery globally; ‘NGJA’ organized “Sri Lanka Pavilions” at leading trade fairs and exhibitions held in Japan, U.S.A., Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China and India. Despite the setbacks during the past 30 years gem, diamond and jewellery exports recorded an overall growth of 14 percent in 2008 earning a revenue of USD 531.1 million; in comparison with the corresponding figure of USD 466.4 million in 2007. This was the highest export revenue recorded in the history of ‘NGJA’. Due to the global economic downturn which had an adverse impact on our exports; a 26 percent negative variance was recorded in 2009 with a corresponding export value of USD 392.4 mn. The global economic slowdown and shrinking consumption took its toll on the Gem and Jewellery industry in Sri Lanka. In the prevalent soft marketing climate, where even affluent buyers and consumers tightened their belts; under the pressure of high and fluctuating gold prices, the focus was on products with lower gold content. Similarly Sri Lanka focused more attention to innovative designs offering top value for money. The onset of recession in the U.S.A. the world’s biggest gem and jewellery market - whose ramifications are of international nature prompted us to look actively at other markets such as China, Russia, Brazil, India, South Korea, Turkey and The Middle East. The ‘NGJA’ believed; it was not the time to give up. Rather it was the time to shape up, to remain lean and fit and to continue investing in market research and product, skills and knowledge development. The ‘NGJA’ initiated series of development plans to help Sri Lankan manufacturers and dealers to venture in to the Chinese market by providing necessary advise and guidance to dealers and manufacturers in all aspects of marketing in China.

A collection of fine quality gems from Sri Lanka

According to the results of a survey conducted by Jewellery News Asia (January 2010) In China 41 percent of urban households and 59 percent of rural households plan to increase their spending in the year 2010.

It is observed that a new generation of trendy consumers have evolved who pay special attention to a trendy and personalized mode of consumption. The internet is becoming the daily communication platform on which they rely. Many present day consumers in China will check information on designs suppliers and brands of products on the internet for careful analysis before they purchase.



As one of the fastest growing segments in the Indian economy, India’s gem and jewellery sector has grown in recent years. India’s role as a major consumer and manufacturer of jewellery and a pearl, diamond and gemstone processing centre has helped propel India into becoming one of the biggest players in the global jewellery industry. The economic conditions in the U.S could continue to impact consumer sales of gems, diamonds and jewellery. Nevertheless strong demand from China, India, Russia and the Middle East is expected to continue, which would sustain pricing for larger and better quality stones.
At the key industry events held in the second half of 2009, it was evident that sapphires and Rubies of exceptional quality in large sizes moved well. The Watch industry has observed an upward trend favouring the use of coloured gemstones whether precious or semi precious.

Export market

Sri Lankan Gems and Jewellery are exported to more than 60 countries. Thailand, U.S.A, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, France, Japan, Germany, Singapore, India and are in the forefront among importers of Sri Lankan gems. All export parcels are channelled through the ‘NGJA’ where they are tested for genuineness and conformity of other invoice particulars, by a panel consisting of gemmologists of ‘NGJA’ and Sri Lanka Customs.

‘Sri Lanka’ intends to register a geographical indication for ‘Ceylon Sapphire’ as successfully practised for ‘Ceylon Tea’ and ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’, followed by a branding programme to position Ceylon Sapphire as a premium product. In its endeavours to promote the industry, the ‘NGJA’ has finalized all arrangements with “Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association” (SLGJA) to establish a state of the art Gem Testing Laboratory which will be geared to issue internationally accepted testing reports.

The ‘NGJA’ has paved way to promote Sri Lankan gems and jewellery in world class trade fairs and exhibitions held in many countries such as U.S.A., Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia China and India. In the year 2010 new markets such as Russia and Turkey would be added to this list.

Sri Lanka is beginning a new and exciting period in its history. The ingredients sought by the investors are present in full measure in Sri Lanka today. Now is the time for local and foreign investors to get engaged in projects.

With the improvement of the security situation in the country, tourism is getting a big boost, with a resultant increased business opportunities for wide spread Gem and jewellery trading establishments in Sri Lanka.
As the investors are provided with preferential tax rates, constitutional guarantees on investment agreements, exemptions from Exchange Control and 100 percent repatriation of profits; Sri Lanka will be a paradise for investors in the gem and jewellery sector.

The ‘NGJA’ expects to get the assistance of the Sri Lanka missions overseas, The Board of Investment, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, International Chamber of Commerce (Sri Lanka) to promote investment opportunities in gem, diamond and jewellery sector. Further, Sri Lanka being a signatory to Indo-Sri Lanka and Indo-Pakistan Free Trade Agreements would be an ideal launching pad for any country who is aiming to penetrate the lucrative Indian market, and the Pakistan market.

The ‘NGJA’ has been the principal sponsor of “Facets - Sri Lanka” the Sri Lanka, international gem and jewellery show, since its inception nineteen years ago. “Facets - Sri Lanka” has now earned international recognition as the “Showcase” event of Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry. The twentieth Facets Sri Lanka is scheduled to be held from September 2 to 5 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre (SBMEC). Sri Lanka’s participation at upcoming events such as Jewellery Shanghai, Singapore International Jewellery Show, China International Gold Jewellery and Gem Fair - Shanghai, Gem and Jewellery Fair in Beijing, would undoubtedly consolidate the Sri Lanka’s reputation as the “Sapphire Capital of the World”.

Source: The Daily News

Kollu, local but healthy friend

Kollu facts



* Remedy for weakness of the body


* Helps dissolve kidney stones


* Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol


* Helps control obesity


* Cures menstrual problems


Horse gram or widely known as kollu, a common bean, available in abundance in Sri Lanka and neighbouring countries is a remedy for many health issues. This is often used as fodder for horses and cattle. But the little known fact is this dhal has amazing medicinal qualities.
It is recommended for general weakness, dissolving kidney stones and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol.Horse gram is extensively used by the people of Andhra Pradesh in their weight loss diet.
The consumption of the gram is also said to control obesity. Besides this, it is known to cure menstrual problems in women, as it purifies the blood. But despite its medicinal qualities, horse gram remains one of the most ignored beans, probably because of its moth-ball-like taste.


But even this can be disguised through proper preparation. It can be used in various recipes in place of other beans, or a sauce can be made out of this and used instead of soya sauce.

How cellular services started here - Sri Lanka

'Communications Come of Age with South Asia's First Cellular Network!' This was the headlines in newspapers on June 19, 1989 to mark the launching of cellular mobile services in Sri Lanka and in fact the first in South Asia.


The sophisticated are getting more interested in data than voice.That was two decades ago, but to see people of all ages pushing buttons on their handheld mobile phones sending SMS messages or making calls has now become a very common sight. The sophisticated seem to be getting more interested in data rather than voice, exchanging e-mails and browsing the internet and even conducting commercial transactions (m-commerce) while on the move using their Third Generation (3G or 3.5 G) phones.
Hardly will they realize that their forefathers had to undergo immense difficulties and long delays just to make a simple telephone call or send a message by telegram.
How did all this happen in just 20 years? On this World Telecommunication Day which falls on May 17, it is therefore worthwhile looking back to reflect how all this massive evolution in technology and more so its adaptation in our country materialized in this comparatively short period.


When cellular mobile radio was introduced nearly two decades ago, mobile radio was nothing new in our country, but of course was limited to point to point or point to multipoint communications such as used by taxi service or the Police. Quickshaws operated a radio call taxi service decades ago.
However there was no capability of calling a station selectively or access to the public telephone network.
Having realized the need to open up avenues for the cellular mobile radio systems to launch their services, the then Posts and Telecommunications Minister Alick Aluvihare initiated the notification of regulations under the Telecommunications Ordinance to allow the operation of such systems in Sri Lanka.


This enabled the Telecommunications Department as the Regulator to issue a license to Celltel Lanka Ltd, a Sri Lanka/Sweden/USA joint venture company with Comvik of Sweden and Millicom of USA which seized the opportunity and initiated action to launch the services on the 900MHz band with equipment supplied by Motorola of USA.


At that time three systems, namely, Nordic Mobile Phone System (NMT), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) and Total Access Communication System (TACS) were widely used and Celltel Ltd (later Tigo and now Etisalat) adopted TACS which was a development on the AMPS system.


As the system had to interwork with the existing network, a team of engineers from the Telecom Department visited Motorola in USA and worked out the technical specifications for proper interworking.

It was on the June 30, 1989 that Celltel Ltd put in to commercial operation the first cellular mobile network in South Asia with the commissioning of their Mobile Telephone Exchange (MTX) along with four base stations located in Colombo, Seeduwa, Athurigiriya and Moratuwa to cover an area of about 35 km radius from Colombo in the initial phase, while Kandy and Galle areas were covered in subsequent phases.


The launch coincided with the commissioning of the new E-10B digital exchange in Colombo to which the MTX had direct access to interconnect calls between the cellular subscribers and other telephone connections of the Telecommunication Department which was the sole operator in Sri Lanka with all other subscribers being connected to its network. This created a fascinating experience for us for upto that time it was only a dream that one could make a telephone call while on the move and 'without wires', rather 'wireless'.


Of course there was one big hurdle: the enormous cost, the handheld the size of a nine inch brick costing over Rs 125,000 (about $4000 at the prevailing rate ) and a portable to be carried over the shoulder about Rs 50,000. The prices of handsets have dropped drastically due to continuous technological evolution and massive production volumes which had made the mobile phone an affordable tool. The modest start up with one operator and may be a hundred customers had now grown to almost 12 million outpacing the fixed lines almost three times.
Seeing people pushing buttons on their small handheld phones by the roadside though unimaginable then has now become a reality. When properly used it saves so much time and money and thus has become an indispensable tool without which one cannot even carry on his or her business. The service rendered and the affordability of the mobile services to all and sundry has made mobile communication inclusive to all sectors of public life.
You may wonder how the technological evolution has revolutionized the telecom industry especially in Mobile Broadband, and watch out, there is much more in store to come with the Fourth Generation (4G) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) tapping at the door!

Source: Daily News by P K Wickramarachchi