Financial Times

Indian couple 'sip to Sri Lanka' courtesy Elpitiya Plantations

A couple from India's 'Pearl City' - Hyderabad were in Sri Lanka recently on an all expenses paid tour having won a competition organised by Elpitiya Plantations Ltd to promote the company's popular brand 'Elpitiya Ceylon Choice' in India.

Priyadarshini Gaddam and her husband M. Mahesh Babu who won the 'Sip to SriLanka' promotion were given a taste of luxury with stays in the salubrious hill country of Sri Lanka, its ancient kingdoms and the western coastal belt during their four day visit to the country, the company said.

All consumers had to do to enter the 'Sip to Sri Lanka' promotion was to fill up coupons published in the newspapers and attach a flap of the Elpitiya Ceylon Choice carton to be eligible for a tour of Sri Lanka.

"Although the State of Karnataka is known to be a coffee bastion, our first choice has been 'Elpitiya Ceylon Choice' ever since we first tasted this magnificent tea from Sri Lanka which is rich in flavour and aroma," Babu said. "Anyone who tastes Ceylon Choice will never want to drink ordinary tea again," he added.

Vital to increase growth momentum

The Business Chamber of Commerce is happy to observe that the basic economic indicators reflected a change for the better especially towards the end of last year.

It is needless for us to state that the historic peace initiative laid these foundations for the revival of economic activity.

Investor confidence, often mirrored in share transactions is one of the standard methods adopted in measuring the state of an economy. The recent trends in he share market speaks well for the growing confidence that the investors have in the future of the economy at least from a medium term perspective.

But it is very important to ensure that there is an all round increase in the momentum of economic growth, so that Sri Lanka will firmly emerge from its long run of slow growth and economic disarray. It is also necessary to remind ourselves of the need for multi faceted action to ensure that we follow a rational and logical plan to achieve progress.

We as a nation should be fully alert and prepare ourselves for external developments.

The tense international situation and the economic repercussions of a possible war against Iraq makes it imperative for us to guard ourselves especially in regard to price escalations in oil as well as the adverse impact of a war, on a exports to the Middle East.

The control of state expenditure and the urgent need for increased capacity generation, in electricity which key utility is once again affected by controversy and indecision are among the high priorities that Sri Lanka should concern itself this year. Though price controls are alien to a market economy so are monopolies that dictate prices. Increased competition and, they entry of new players into major consumer product areas should help eliminate such trends.

The Business Chamber of Commerce is confident that the government will continue to vigorously pursue the path of peace and also work towards further restoration of the economy in the New Year.

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