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Ondo: Death Toll From Suspected Poisonous Drink Hits 30

The death toll from the suspected consumption of a locally made alcoholic drink in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 30, while about 50 others are receiving treatment in hospitals across the area.

Daily Trust had earlier reported that 24 persons died under mysterious circumstances linked to the consumption of a locally produced herbal-alcoholic mixture popularly known as ‘Monkey Tail.’

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the latest casualty figures and said families of the deceased had been directed not to bury the victims until necessary medical examinations were completed.

According to him, the council has approached the court to seek a coroner’s inquest into the deaths, while laboratory analyses, toxicological examinations and autopsies are being conducted to establish the actual cause.

The chairman disclosed that the council had released N2 million to support the emergency medical response and had sought additional financial assistance to tackle the crisis.

‘As of now, the death toll is over 30. We have not confirmed the source of death,’ he said.

He explained that samples of the suspected substance had been collected for laboratory analysis, while blood and urine samples were being obtained from surviving patients.

According to the commissioner, post-mortem examinations will also be conducted on some of the victims as part of efforts to determine the medical cause of death.

He warned residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic mixtures, herbal preparations and unidentified concoctions, noting that some could have fatal consequences.

One of the survivors, 32-year-old Shola Adebayo, speaking with Daily Trust, recounted how he narrowly escaped death after consuming the suspected drink.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Adebayo said he took two shots of the substance on Friday after a friend invited him to drink.

‘A friend brought it and asked that we drink together. I took two shots and went home,’ he said.

According to him, he woke up the following day with severe vision problems.

‘On Saturday, I discovered that I could not see very well. I called my sister, and she rushed me to the hospital. I am getting better now, but I am praying that I regain my sight completely.’

The traditional ruler of Odigbo Kingdom, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, described the number of deaths recorded in the community as alarming.

The monarch said concerns over the unusual fatalities prompted consultations with health authorities and local government officials.

Oba Akinrinmade called for intensified public enlightenment campaigns, particularly among young people, on the dangers of consuming unregulated alcoholic drinks.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command was collaborating with the state government and health authorities to determine the cause of the deaths.

According to him, officers from the Police Medical Services are working alongside officials of the Ministry of Health and Odigbo Local Government to gather evidence and relevant information.

Jimoh said medical and toxicological examinations were ongoing to determine whether any substance was responsible for the fatalities.

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators while advising members of the public to avoid consuming unregulated alcoholic and herbal mixtures pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Ohagwu, assured residents that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice once investigations are concluded.

MAS Holdings, official clothing sponsor of Team Sri Lanka, unveils kits for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games

MAS Holdings, the official clothing sponsor for Team Sri Lanka, today unveiled and handed over the national contingent’s official kit ahead of the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

The Games will be held from 19 September to 4 October 2026 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. Developed in partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka), the kits were presented at a press event held on September 09, at the Duncan White Auditorium, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in Colombo.

As the official clothing sponsor, MAS will outfit Team Sri Lanka’s athletes across a wide range of disciplines at the Games, including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cricket, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing, Rugby, Sailing, Squash, Surfing, Table Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Hockey, Basketball, Wushu and Kabaddi.

Each discipline places different demands on movement, fit and comfort, and the kits were developed with these varying performance requirements in mind, while maintaining a consistent Team Sri Lanka identity across the collection.

The full collection spans four kit types: Casual, Podium, Travel, and sport specific performance kits covering everything from the team’s travel to Japan and training days to competition and podium appearances.

The design draws inspiration from the ocean currents that move around Sri Lanka. The continuous movement and energy of the waves reflect the drive, resilience and momentum of Sri Lankan athletes.

‘Our design and innovation teams have worked closely with the NOC to build a range of garments that perform well while displaying a strong sense of Sri Lankan identity,’ said MAS Holdings Bodywear Director – Product Innovation Arosh Fernando. ‘The energy of the ocean currents that surround our island felt like a fitting expression of the momentum and resilience our athletes carry into these Games, and we are honored to stand behind them as they represent the country.’

As one of the world’s leading sportswear manufacturers, over the years, MAS has extended its expertise to national teams across several sporting disciplines.

‘Yes, it is about manufacturing capability and expertise, but for us it is also about passion and commitment,’ said MAS Holdings Bodywear Chief Executive Officer Rajiv Dharmendra. ‘As an organisation, we are determined to support local athletes to compete at their best on the international stage. Clothing and performance garments should be an enabler in their achievements, and we are grateful for the opportunity to offer that.’

Through its continued investment in Sri Lankan sport, MAS remains committed to supporting national athletes as they represent the country on the world stage.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (A)

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 11/09/2026 UNTIL 0600 12/09/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1012hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, but tonight and in the morning locally increased low cloud coverage will be present at times, with risk of local mist and/or fog patches mainly over the southern and eastern coastal areas.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 29°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southwest to West 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night Northwest to North 3 to 4, locally near the coast North to Northeast 3 Slight, locally near the coast Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southeast to South 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest to West 4, locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, gradually Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning Variable 3, later East to Southeast Smooth to Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Southwest 3, later Southwest to Northwest Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to West 3, near the coast Southeast to Southwest Smooth to Slight

Sharafadeen appoints Oladele, Olaosebikan, Tunji as media directors

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has appointed seasoned journalists and communication professionals to key positions in his campaign media and publicity team.

According a statement Alli’s Media Consultant Dare Adekanmbi, former South-West Bureau Chief of The Nation, Bisi Oladele is Director of Media and Publicity; former Oluyole Local Government Chairman and a former Bureau Chief of Vanguard in Abuja Kehinde Olaosebikan is Director of Strategic Communication. A former The Nation Saturday Editor Bolaji Tunji is Director of Public Affairs.

The immediate past Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Ademola Babalola will serve as Deputy Director and Oyo State APC Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, will serve as Secretary.

Oladele, a seasoned multimedia journalist and communication strategist, brings more than 25 years of experience in journalism and public relations to the assignment.

Until his appointment, Oladele was Executive Editor of Newspeak Media and Chairman of the South-West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP).

Olaosebikan, a veteran media practitioner, served as Chief Press Secretary to the late Gov. Lam Adesina of Oyo State and brings extensive experience in strategic communication and government media relations to the campaign.

Tunji, also a seasoned journalist and communication practitioner, served as Special Adviser to the late Gov. Abiola Ajimobi on Communication and Strategy.

He recently worked as media adviser to the immediate past Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu.

The appointments, according to the statement, are aimed at strengthening media visibility, strategic communication, public engagement and overall information management ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship election.

Radda okays N500m to tackle malnutrition

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has secured the approval of the Executive Council (Exco) for N500 million as the state government’s counterpart funding for the procurement of nutrition commodities for 2026, strengthening efforts to manage acute malnutrition among children across the state.

Health Commissioner Musa Adamu said the intervention would sustain the provision of essential nutrition commodities for children suffering from acute malnutrition and strengthen the state’s response to the condition.

The approval was among major decisions reached at the 15th Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Radda, on Wednesday, at the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.

The Special Adviser on Market Development, Mustapha Batsari, revealed the Exco’s approval for the modernisation of selected markets across the three senatorial zones, including Dandume, Daura, Mashi and Jibia markets.

Bala said the market modernisation was part of the administration’s efforts to improve commercial infrastructure and strengthen the socio-economic well-being of the residents.

Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr Salisu Zango, said the Exco approved the procurement of 95,000 bags of assorted grains for distribution to the less privileged and vulnerable residents across the state, adding that the intervention was part of measures by the Radda administration to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship and provide support to households in need.

He said the Exco approved the procurement and distribution of non-food items and cash support to vulnerable residents, particularly orphans, widows, persons with special needs and other less privileged members of the society.

Zango said the Exco also approved the rehabilitation of 81 Jumu’at Mosques across the 34 local government areas of Katsina State.

He noted that the intervention was aimed at improving and maintaining religious infrastructure, promoting Islamic values and strengthening community cohesion.

On youth development, the Exco approved the establishment of Katsina State Model United Nations Organisation (MUNDO) as a government-led initiative supported by development partners.

The Executive Secretary of Katsina Development Management Board, Mustapha Shehu, said the initiative would expose talented young people in the state to leadership, diplomacy and public service, while preparing them to contribute to the development of Katsina State.

Speaking further on development coordination, Shehu said the Exco approved a central coordination and evidence-clearing mechanism for HOPE-GOV, HOPE-PHC and HOPE-EDU to review programme requirements, align sectoral technical teams and strengthen coordination towards achieving and verifying applicable Disbursement Linked Indicators.

He said the measure was expected to support effective implementation and maximise the benefits of the World Bank-supported programmes, particularly HOPE-PHC and HOPE-EDU.

Shehu said the Exco approved the establishment of a statewide compliance framework for the utilisation of performance-based financing and reward funds, aimed at strengthening accountability and coordination in the implementation of development programmes.

Uba Sani appoints three new commissioners, 45 aides

Governor Uba Sani has appointed three new Commissioners, 45 aides and 40 members of different boards, in a bid to accelerate his administration’s development agenda and deepen institutional reforms.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, the Governor said that the appointees will help to accelerate ”the administration’s transformational agenda, optimising public service delivery, and fostering sustainable economic growth.”

The statement disclosed that Ben Kure, the Managing Director of Kaduna State Media Corporation(KSMC), will be Commissioner of Sports Development.

Governor Uba Sani has also appointed Amina Akilu Dalhat as Commissioner of Special Duties I, while Abdullahi Garba Abbas will be Commissioner of Special Duties II.

According to the Chief Press Secretary, Dr Haliru Soba, who is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, will be Deputy Chief of Staff, Administration.

Governor Uba Sani also appointed Chairmen and members of key boards, the statement said, adding that ”those appointed include Alhaji Munir Jafaru, Board Chairman, Kaduna State Health Care Board and AVM Bashir Gamagira Saidu, Board Chairman, Kaduna Vigilance Service Board.

Other Chairmen are Hon. Justice Gideon Isa Kurada (Rtd), Board Chairman, College of Education, Gidan Waya, Esther Bago, Board Chairman, Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development.

The rest of the appointees include Dr. Yusuf Aliyu Bature, Board Chairman, Kaduna Hospital Supply Management Agency, and Engr. Namadi Musa, Board Chairman, Kaduna Rural Access Roads Authority.

The statement noted that ”while congratulating the new appointees, Governor Uba Sani stated that they have been carefully selected based on their proven track record of excellence, integrity, and dedication.”

He charged them to bring fresh perspectives, reject complacency, and align completely with his administration’s vision of a transformed, resilient state. He wished them God’s guidance in their new assignments.

PEARL SWEET… from the people who gave us LIGHT!

Uganda’s oil finally has a name. Pearl Sweet. ‘Pearl’ from our famous Pearl of Africa identity, while ‘Sweet’ is petroleum language to mean the crude contains very little sulphur. Scientifically, perfectly reasonable and commercially maybe sensible. But this is Uganda, we gotta hate!

lmost immediately after the reveal, Ugandans began examining the name like aunties examining a newborn. Pearl Sweet? Who chose it? What does it mean? Why not something Ugandan? Who was in that meeting? Suggestions started flying around, anything to sound indigenous, something with history, anything that makes you hear the name and immediately know this oil comes from the land of matooke, Rolex and bodas.

You see over here , a name can be a biography, warning, prayer, family meeting and subtweet rolled into three syllables. Somewhere in this country there is a child whose name translates loosely to ‘they laughed at me but God has answered,’ and the neighbours know exactly who they are.

We name children after circumstances, ancestors, seasons, disappointments and miracles. Even our phonebooks carry emotional archives. Brian Mechanic, Sarah Bandali, Moses Owino, John Landlord New. A Ugandan can forget your surname, workplace and entire personality, but remember that you are Simon Chairs.

So naturally, people expected our oil to arrive carrying ancestral weight. Something you could announce and immediately hear drums in the background. Instead, we got Pearl Sweet, which, if we are being sincere, sounds slightly less like crude oil and slightly more like a new yoghurt flavour.

Funny thing is technically the Sweet is doing serious work. While we are debating vibes, the real Gs are discussing viscosity. And that is where the boring adults have entered the conversation, them analysts have argued that Uganda is not naming a chapati stall in Kikuube; it is branding an internationally traded commodity.

According to our elites, mbu buyers in Asia are unlikely to reject 500,000 barrels because the name does not sufficiently acknowledge Banyoro naming traditions. Traders need something short, pronounceable and identifiable on cargo documents and trading screens.

There is also the small Ugandan matter of choosing which indigenous identity gets the honour. Call it something specifically Banyoro and someone asks whether the oil belongs to Bunyoro or Uganda. Pick a Luganda name and Parliament may require extra chairs, choose something from another community and by lunchtime somebody has organised a press conference.

In a country where even the location of a government office can become a regional balancing exercise, perhaps Pearl is the diplomatic equivalent of saying, my people, let us all just eat.

We should give Pearl Sweet a chance. Who knows, it may do better than Light. Names grow into meaning anyway. Pearl Sweet may sound underwhelming today, but if those barrels generate jobs, infrastructure, local businesses and revenues that actually improve ordinary Ugandan lives, we shall defend that name like we all suggested it at the meeting.

Uba Sani Meets ASUU’s Demand, Urges Lecturers To End Strike

Governor Uba Sani has approved the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-Academic Staff Union of Universities (FGN-ASUU) Salary Agreement for academic staff of Kaduna State University (KASU), effective from October 2026.

The Commissioner of Education, Prof Abubakar Sani Sambo, who disclosed this in a press briefing on Friday, said the ”approval follows the report and recommendations of the nine-member Government-KASU/ASUU Negotiation Committee.”

Prof Sambo added that the committee was ”constituted by His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, to consider the demands of the union and develop a fair and sustainable framework for implementation.”

The Commissioner clarified that the ”approved package gives effect to the provisions of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement, including the revised CONUASS, Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and other applicable salary adjustments and allowances.”

It will be recalled that the KASU branch of ASUU had earlier embarked on a two-week warning strike but Kaduna State Government had set up the negotiating committee, headed by Dr AbdulKadir Muazu Meyere, the Secretary to the State Government.

In addition, the Governor had approved a one-off payment of ?300 million Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) to address a backlog of over ?800 million in accumulated entitlements and allowances dating back to 2016.

However, the ASUU branch of KASU embarked on an indefinite strike action on Wednesday, in spite of the Government’s gestures and as negotiations were still ongoing.

Speaking at the press briefing on Friday, the Commissioner of Education noted that the decision to implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement ”is consistent with Governor Uba Sani’s sustained commitment to education and human-capital development.”

”Since assuming office, at least 25 percent of the Kaduna State annual budget has been allocated to education. His administration has also built and renovated 3,267 classrooms, provided 1,194 toilets and 90 boreholes, while 57,777 learners’ and teachers’ furniture have been supplied, with many more projects ongoing across the State.

”The administration has equally approved a 50 percent reduction in tertiary education fees and extended school teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years,” Prof Sambo added .

A Professor Emeritus, Sambo argued that ”it is against this record of commitment and intervention that the Government calls on ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT to reciprocate the gesture by embracing dialogue as the preferred pathway for resolving differences.

”A government that listens and responds to legitimate concerns deserves a university community equally committed to constructive engagement, industrial harmony and the public interest,” he maintained.

According to him, ”Government also expects KASU to rise to the confidence being reposed in it. Improved staff welfare must translate into improved teaching, research, innovation, student outcomes and global competitiveness.

”KASU should therefore pursue a deliberate strategy to measure up to international standards and improve its performance and visibility in global university rankings, including the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings,” he noted.

In his contribution, the Vice Chancellor of KASU, Prof Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, recalled that no government has done what the Governor Uba Sani administration has done for the university.

According to him, Governor Uba Sani has cleared the backlog of some salary arrears and has generally enhanced the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff since he assumed office.

”Over the last three years, the administration has released over ?800 million withheld salaries, in addition to ?146 million to cl and outstanding SIWES allowances inherited from previous administrations.

”KASU has consequently cleared these inherited withheld salary obligations, demonstrating Government’s resolve to address longstanding staff welfare issues,” the Vice Chancellor disclosed.

”In 2026 alone, Government has further disbursed over ?200 million in overhead funding to support day-to-day operations, including laboratory chemicals and reagents, students’ field trips, examinations and other essential academic activities,” Prof Musa added.

According to him, Kaduna State Government ”has equally invested over ?300 million in the accreditation of more than 57 academic programmes and resource-verification exercises for 60 postgraduate programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In his own remarks, the Chairman of KASU Governing Council, Dr Ibrahim Umar, noted that Governor Uba Sani has been giving education the attention it deserves as the anchor of Human Capital.

”The administration has also made remarkable progress in tackling the out-of-school children challenge. From an estimated population of over 500,000 out-of-school children inherited in 2023, more than 300,000 have since been brought back into education.

”This significant turnaround reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Kaduna child has the opportunity to access education and build a better future.

According to Dr Umar, the Governor’s commitment to institutional reform is equally evident in the transformation of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) into a more technology-driven and data-based institution.

The Government calls on all parties to embrace this approval as an investment in people, a vote of confidence in KASU and a renewed compact for excellence.

BRICS Summit: Shettima Embarks On Fresh Trip Amid Tinubu’s Leave Abroad

Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to join other world leaders in New Delhi, India, for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, which is billed for this weekend.

The spokesman to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said Nigeria is to use the summit to consolidate bilateral relations with key international partners, expand economic cooperation and advance its strategic interests.

‘The engagement will provide Nigeria with another platform to strengthen partnerships in trade and investment, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, technology, and innovation, while promoting greater cooperation among countries of the Global South.’ the statement said.

Shettima will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently on vacation in Europe. India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship is anchored on the theme, ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,’ with deliberations expected to cover political and security cooperation, economic and financial partnerships, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

While in New Delhi, Shettima will join leaders of BRICS member and partner nations, alongside other invited dignitaries, at plenary and high-level sessions examining global economic growth, multilateral cooperation, and shared development priorities.

Shettima will also hold bilateral engagements with leaders and senior officials of participating countries, with discussions expected to focus on opportunities for deeper economic and diplomatic cooperation with Nigeria.

Nigeria, a BRICS partner country since January 2025, is opening another channel for the country to deepen South-South cooperation and engage some of the world’s emerging economies on trade, investment, development finance and reform of global governance institutions.

According to the statement, ‘The country’s participation is consistent with President Tinubu’s drive to strengthen the country’s international economic partnerships, attract investment and expand markets for Nigerian products, particularly in agriculture, energy, minerals and other non-oil sectors.’

The summit comes as BRICS marks 20 years since its establishment and as the grouping seeks greater practical cooperation among its expanding network of member and partner countries.

Shettima will return to Nigeria after participating at the event.

As of the time, Tinubu departed the country, Shettima was in Angola for the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

The opposition had criticised the absence of both leaders in the country. However, the Vice-President returned to Nigeria less than 48 hours after the President’s departure.

TEA’s 27th AGM spotlights Ceylon Tea’s resilience amid global uncertainty

The Tea Exporters Association (TEA) held its 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Grand Marquee, Taj Samudra Hotel, bringing together stakeholders, Government officials and industry leaders under the theme ‘Navigating Challenges.’

The AGM confirmed the re-appointing of Huzefa Akbarally as Chairman for 2026/2027. Chairman Huzefa Akbarally said: ‘This has been a particularly challenging year for the tea industry, with the current global conflicts and geopolitical tensions, Cyclone Ditwa, abolishment of SVAT, reduction in tea production, and issues related to quality. In total, about 85% of Ceylon Tea shipping routes have been disrupted, many having to go around the Cape of Good Hope. Freight rates have increased, in many cases, by a few-fold. Even with the challenges that we are facing, it is remarkable that Ceylon Tea exports have been resilient. Hopefully, peace will return and potentially we will be able to ship another 100 million kilos.’

Turning to production, he added: ‘We have the expertise. We have the tea exporting companies that have production capacity. We have factories that have production capacity for more leaves. All we need is additional green leaves to drive us forward. Each smallholder family can potentially get about Rs. 94,000 per month. That is about a fourfold increase in their income.’ He said the industry could realistically reach 350 million kilos by 2030 with government support and highlighted block infilling as a low-cost way to raise smallholder productivity and incomes. He also renewed calls to restore the Tea Board brand promotion scheme, the value-added export incentive, and imports of spices used in value-added tea.

Verité Research Founder and Executive Director Dr. Nishan De Mel said his institute places Sri Lanka in a relatively strong position on exposure and buffers against the 2026 economic shocks. He said: ‘Tourism fell only 1.8%, and remittances increased 21.4% up to the end of July compared to 2025. The increased cost we pay for oil will turn out to be almost exactly offset by the increase in remittances. If the crisis had not happened, we would be doing a lot better. But having happened, we are not doing much worse.’ Reviewing the 2022 debt crisis recovery, he added: ‘Sri Lanka did really well on the macro-fiscal indicators, on the numbers that the IMF cares about, but rather poorly on socio-economic indicators, on the things that people care about. We more than doubled poverty in our country, and only Belize did worse than Sri Lanka on employment.’ On the estate sector’s Rs. 200 wage increase, he said: ‘We see this additional 200 as rather sensible. It addresses some of the regressive nature of Sri Lanka’s recovery, where we neglected the poor. It gives estate workers the same value increase as the industry received through exports, adjusts for the consumer price index, and does something to reduce the very high levels of poverty in the estate sector.’ He urged mature industries to advance their proposals through transparent, evidence-based policy frameworks that the public can understand and support, rather than relying primarily on access or influence.

As the apex body representing Sri Lanka’s tea exporting community, TEA continues to advocate for policies that strengthen Ceylon Tea’s competitiveness on the world stage. Despite a year marked by geopolitical shocks, shipping disruptions and natural disaster, the industry remains resilient, and with the right government support for smallholders, quality standards and market diversification, Ceylon Tea is well placed to navigate today’s challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

TEA also held its 7th Outstanding Tea Producers Award Ceremony, recognising top estates and factories across Ruhuna, Sabaragamuwa, Kandy, Dimbula, Uva, Nuwara Eliya and the Low Grown CTC category.