Modern tea warehouse with automated storage and stacking opened in SL
Sri Lanka’s tea sector is gradually moving towards modernity adapting the latest technology coupled with a green environment.
The warehouse complex that was installed by Mercantile Produce Brokers (Pvt) Ltd (MPBL) in Enderamulle, Wattala and declared open last week by Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Plantation Industries, is a classic example of that.
Naren Dambawinne, Managing Director, MPBL, speaking at the opening of this facility said that they have put up this modern warehouse facility as it is their duty by the tea industry. The tea auction system in Sri Lanka is 131 years old continuing with ages-old practices in certain areas of operation, ignoring the availability of technology that would bring more benefits to the tea industry in Sri Lanka, he said.
The new warehouse of company, with more than 30 years in the business, could store 4.2 million kg and has been installed at an investment of Rs. 520 million. The technology ensures no manual handling of tea storing and the system ensures speedy efficiency and no damage to tea packaging.
In the daytime operations, Mr. Dambawinne said that there would be minimal or no electricity used based on its green environment-based design.
Minister Samarasinghe in his address complemented MPBL for its unique achievement in putting up of this modern warehouse facility and said that this company is rendering a significant service to the tea industry in Sri Lanka.
He said that 2013 has been a record year for the tea industry with production at a record high of more than 340 million kg, foreign exchange revenue of US$1.45 billion and prices averaging Rs. 78 per kilo.
Mr. Samarasinghe said that poor quality (tea) would jeopardize the reputation of ‘Pure Ceylon Tea” and noted that in 2013 alone the authorities have detected and stopped exports of 87 shipments of bad tea. Further, 41 factory inspections were made, he said. In 2014 too, he said that they hoped to ensure high quality tea for exports, and sustain the industry.
While confirming that the private sector is the engine of economic growth in this country, he said, “The fact that we had the private sector who manages the tea auction system is a good example of the economy of this country being driven by the private sector. Even our government recognizes the fact that the private sector is the main engine of growth and should be the main engine of growth”.