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Nigeria Is Better Than This

Recently, a misinformed religious cleric publicly unleashed hateful rhetoric against Christians while in the company of several governors. This unacceptable behavior was condemned by both Muslims and Christians alike. The preacher shockingly suggested that Nigerian Christians, who represent roughly half of the country’s population, should leave if they are unhappy with the current government. He failed to recognize an important truth: in Nigeria, elections are not decided by religious affiliation.

Our people vote for the best tribal and political arrangement that benefits them the most through party and regional cooperation designed to yield the biggest political dividend. This political strategy and compromise won Obasanjo, Goodluck, Buhari, and Tinubu, respectively, the presidency. Both Christians and Muslims voted for these presidents. It is therefore fraudulent to attribute APC’s victory to the voting power and supremacy of one religion over the other.

Leaders with a medieval mindset and a misguided sense of purpose have plunged Africa into chaos, despite its vast mineral resources, fertile lands, young population, and valuable human potential. Today, the continent is unjustly disrespected and treated with disdain by the global community, a consequence of the rampant disunity, distrust, destruction, and outright disregard for human life among its people. This attitude must change; Africa deserves recognition and respect for its true worth. We are better than this.

While other countries are aggressively exploring the immense resources and wonders of outer space and achieving groundbreaking scientific advancements, Africa is still mired in internal struggles, including ethnic rivalries, tribal wars, religious intolerance, terrorism, insecurity, and corruption. It is imperative that we shift our focus from these destructive conflicts to making significant contributions to the global economy and improving our continent’s GDP. Only then will we command the respect we deserve on the world stage. Nigeria must assert itself as a leader in this critical endeavor, reclaiming its lost glory through visionary, bold, and transformative leadership. The loudest voices in society are not always the most godly, the wisest, or the most knowledgeable. Volume does not equal truth, and influence does not always reflect wisdom. When ignorance, misinformation, and disinformation collide with tribalism, religious extremism, weak governance, corruption, poverty, terrorism, and insecurity, a failed state becomes inevitable. Nigerians must stand firm and insist that the worst elements do not define the promising future of our nation. Evil will prevail if good people remain silent or allow themselves to become indifferent to wrongdoing.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right guaranteed to all Nigerians. However, when this right is misused to vilify a significant portion of the population and provoke hostility towards them, it becomes hate speech. Such rhetoric undermines moral decency and warrants serious legal examination. Our laws exist to uphold order, and no one should be permitted to flout them without consequences. It is deeply troubling that a cleric would label Christians as ‘infidels,’ failing to recognize their immense contributions to global civilization and technological progress. We must stand against such divisive language to foster understanding and respect among all communities.

Christians were instrumental in driving the Industrial Revolution, which resulted in groundbreaking advancements such as electricity, automobiles, aircraft, and telecommunications, along with the formation of modern states. Visionary figures like Michael Faraday, Isaac Newton, and the Wright Brothers, along with many other Christian scientists, made significant contributions that propelled society forward. It is evident that the most powerful economies, cutting-edge technologies, and strongest military forces are found in predominantly Christian countries.

According to the latest comprehensive global estimates from the Pew Research Center based on 2020 data, Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with approximately 2.3 billion people, or nearly 29% of humanity. In Sub-Saharan Africa (which includes Nigeria), Christians make up 62% of the population. This represents about 697.4 million Christians out of a regional population of approximately 1.125 billion people.

In Nigeria, Christian events dominate the largest religious gatherings across the country. Furthermore, Christians hold the majority of the largest private universities, own the biggest religious buildings, and have expansive networks. As per the Forbes list of Nigerian billionaires in 2026, an impressive 80% identify as Christians. In addition, 20 out of the 36 states have Christian governors, with the majority of the population in 19 states also identifying as Christian. Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that without a comprehensive and credible population census, it is misguided for any faith to claim superiority over others.

Christian leaders and churches have played a vital role in the rehabilitation of displaced Christians and Muslims in the North, showing a commendable spirit of inclusivity. I urge everyone, regardless of their faith, to adopt this approach. Nigeria is our shared home, and it is our collective responsibility to unite in building a strong, cohesive, and sustainable nation rather than perpetuating divisions. It is essential for cultural, religious, and political leaders in the North to collaborate in tackling urgent issues such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and the widespread insecurity that has left millions of people homeless in this mineral-rich yet troubled region. Together, we can turn the tide and build the Nigeria of our dream.

BISHOP TONY MARIOGHAE is the Presiding Bishop of TEAM International, best-selling author, global conference speaker and the president of Nigerians in Diaspora Philippines (NIDOPHIL).

Agege 2027: Obasa had no hand in our defection – Egunjobi, Yusuf

Former Chairman of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, and Azeez Oladapo Yusuf have dismissed reports linking their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Seaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa.

The duo, who contested the APC tickets for Agege Constituencies I and II respectively, emerged as candidates of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, on Thursday.

Their defection came after a controversial APC primary in which Egunjobi’s former Vice-Chairman, Gbenga Abiola, was declared the winner of the Agege Constituency I ticket, while Hon. Sakiru Sule Enimakure emerged as the party’s candidate for Constituency II.

Egunjobi and Yusuf, however, insisted that they won the primaries and were denied the tickets despite what they described as a transparent electoral process.

Their emergence as APM candidates subsequently fuelled speculation that Obasa, who is regarded as their political leader, had orchestrated their departure from the APC.

But the two politicians, in a joint statement, firmly rejected the suggestion, insisting that their decision was theirs alone.

They said they were mature politicians, adults and parents capable of taking independent decisions concerning their political careers.

The duo also argued that movement from one political party to another was not unusual in Nigerian politics, noting that prominent politicians had crossed party lines at different times.

They cited former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, who is now Director-General of the governorship campaign of the APC candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, as an example.

According to them, Obanikoro had previously left the ruling party for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and had at some point been critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They therefore questioned why their own decision to leave the APC had become a subject of controversy.

‘What is the issue with our decision to leave? Obanikoro once left the party and was even openly critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘We did not leave then. We remained, strengthened the party and contributed to its growth. We had never contemplated leaving until we were confronted with what we considered grave injustice,’ they said.

Egunjobi and Yusuf said they were particularly disappointed that the APC leadership failed to initiate any meaningful reconciliation effort after the disputed primaries.

They said the party’s leaders were fully aware of their grievances, having received petitions from them after the tickets were allegedly taken from them and handed to other aspirants.

According to the duo, despite their complaints and the seriousness of the dispute, neither of them was invited to a meeting where the matter could be properly addressed or resolved.

They also alleged that some party leaders had sought to justify the controversial outcomes by invoking the name of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The two politicians claimed that party members were being told that the decision to deny them and other aspirants in some local governments their tickets had come from Tinubu.

They, however, described the claim as an attempt to mislead party members and shield those responsible for the disputed decisions, insisting that they were not aware of any directive from the President authorising such action.

They said the repeated reference to Tinubu’s name had further deepened the frustration among affected aspirants who, according to them, had been left without any opportunity for genuine reconciliation.

The former APC aspirants maintained that their decision to join the APM was therefore a direct consequence of what they described as the denial of their mandates during the APC primaries.

They alleged that they emerged victorious in the primary elections conducted in their respective constituencies and that the exercises were witnessed by officials of relevant government agencies.

‘We won the primaries in our respective constituencies convincingly. Officials of INEC, the DSS and other relevant agencies monitored the exercises, and we were declared winners at the venues.

‘Yet, despite those results Egunjobi scored 9, 132

the party leadership subsequently announced Abiola who had 434 votes and Enimakure who on his part recorded 31 votes while Yusuf had 8,299 as its candidates. We consider that decision a profound injustice,’ they said.

The duo said they subsequently explored the available channels within the party by submitting petitions and seeking redress, but were disappointed that the leadership did not invite them for reconciliation or provide a satisfactory resolution to their complaints.

They stressed that their defection should therefore not be interpreted as a move engineered by Obasa or any other political figure.

Rather, they said it was a decision they took after considering their experience within the APC and the failure to resolve the dispute over the primary elections.

Egunjobi and Yusuf added that they had remained loyal to the APC and contributed to its growth in Agege despite previous political challenges, but could no longer overlook what they described as the denial of victories they believed they legitimately secured.

CRICKET-WCPL-TOSS/TEAMS Trinbago Knight Riders Women win toss, batting vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Women – Final

The Trinbago Knight Riders Women elected to bat after winning the toss against the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League Final at Kensington Oval here on Thursday.

SQUADS

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS WOMEN: Deandra Dottin (captain), Sushma Verma, Laura Harris, Marizanne Kapp, Madeline Penna, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Shikha Pandey, Samara Ramnath, Karishma Ramharack, Brianna Harricharan.

GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS WOMEN: Chloe Tryon (captain), Realeanna Grimmond, Tazmin Brits, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Nadine de Klerk, Erin Burns, Shabnim Ismail, Sheneta Grimmond, Chedean Nation, Shamilia Connell.

Cyprus Stock Exchange

Cyprus Stock Exchange

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today`s stock exchange meeting as follows:

MEETING DATE: 17/09/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTH

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE:

330,675.59

INDEX

VALUE

% DIFF.

VALUE (pound )

FTSE/CySE 20

186.680

-0.010

327,247.090

MAIN MARKET INDEX

249.250

-0.220

260,372.390

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

2,711.270

-0.700

37,837.580

CSE GENERAL INDEX

317.720

-0.030

328,475.590

HOTELS INDEX

1,938.330

-1.370

4,768.000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

2,125.270

0.520

70,303.200

* The second column presents the percentage variation of the indices as compared to the last meeting.

University of Ruhuna Scientist Receives Prestigious Chinese International Young Scientists Fellowship

Dr. Gayan Pathirana, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences and Technology, University of Ruhuna, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Chinese International Young Scientists Fellowship, offered by the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, marking another important international recognition for his contributions to climate and ocean science.

The achievement was made possible through valuable academic support and collaboration from Professor Dongxiao Wang and his Air-Sea Interaction research group at the School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, China, as well as Professor Tilak Priyadarshana and Dr. Wanwan Zhang. The successful application is a key achievement of Sun Yat-sen University’s long-term efforts in international sci-tech cooperation and continuous advancement of substantive cooperation with Sri Lankan research institutions. The program was initiated by the Air-Sea Interaction research team led by Professor Dongxiao Wang at the School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, China. Since 2010, Professor Wang’s team has been carrying out persistent research on Indian Ocean circulation, actively forging blue partnerships with Sri Lankan marine universities and research institutions, and conducting continuous joint international research on cutting-edge scientific issues of common global and regional concern, including tropical air-sea interaction, Indian Ocean biogeochemical processes, monsoon variability and its links with regional climate, extreme weather and marine productivity, gradually establishing a stable scientific research cooperation network.

Dr. Pathirana is an active researcher and educator whose work spans climate science, air-sea interactions, ocean dynamics, and extreme weather events. His research primarily focuses on tropical air-sea interactions, biophysical processes in the Indian Ocean, and monsoon variability, with particular emphasis on understanding their implications for regional climate, extreme weather, and marine productivity. The fellowship provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen international scientific collaboration and promote advanced research in areas of global and regional importance. Dr. Pathirana’s selection reflects the growing international recognition of Sri Lankan scientific expertise and the University of Ruhuna’s expanding engagement with leading research institutions around the world.

His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in international scientific collaboration. Dr. Pathirana obtained his MSc from the State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), China, and completed his PhD at the Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), South Korea. These experiences have contributed to the development of his broad research network across Asia and his continued engagement in internationally collaborative research.

The Chinese International Young Scientists Fellowship is the latest in a series of recognitions received by Dr. Pathirana throughout his academic career. As an international student in China, he was awarded First Prize in the 2017 ‘The Silk Road’ Scholarship. His PhD research was also recognized by the Korean Meteorological Society, 2023, reflecting the scientific quality and significance of his contributions to atmospheric and climate research. In addition, he received an Early Career Scientist Award at the Pacific-Asian Marginal Seas Meeting, 2024, recognizing his emerging contributions to oceanographic research and the broader scientific community.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Pathirana noted that the fellowship represents an important opportunity to further develop international research partnerships and exchange scientific knowledge. He emphasized that collaborative research is increasingly essential for addressing complex challenges associated with climate variability, extreme weather, changing monsoon systems, and the interactions between the ocean and atmosphere.

‘This fellowship provides an excellent platform to strengthen scientific collaboration and pursue research that can improve our understanding of the climate and ocean processes affecting our region,’ he said. ‘I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to reconnect and collaborate with the Chinese scientific community, which has played an important role in my academic journey.’

The recognition is also a significant milestone for the University of Ruhuna and Sri Lanka’s scientific community. It highlights the potential for Sri Lankan researchers to contribute to high-level international research programmes and to build partnerships with leading institutions in the region.

As climate change and ocean-related challenges increasingly affect countries across the Indian Ocean region, the development of strong international scientific networks has become more important than ever. Through the Chinese International Young Scientists Fellowship, Dr. Pathirana is expected to further contribute to collaborative research while creating new opportunities for knowledge exchange and future scientific partnerships between Sri Lanka and China.

The achievement stands as an encouraging example for young Sri Lankan scientists, demonstrating that strong research, international collaboration, and sustained scientific commitment can lead to recognition on the global stage.

Financial inclusion must go beyond access to improve Nigerians well-being, Stakeholders say

Financial inclusion must go beyond access to improve Nigerians well-being, Stakeholders say.

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s financial sector have called for a shift in the country’s financial inclusion agenda from expanding access to financial services to measuring whether such services improve the financial well-being and resilience of Nigerians.

The stakeholders, speaking at the launch of the 2026 Access to Financial Services (A2F) survey report by Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA) in Abuja on Wednesday, said having bank accounts, digital financial platforms and agents would have limited impact if Nigerians remained financially stressed and unable to withstand economic shocks.

The 2026 A2F survey found that overall financial inclusion stood at 79 percent, while formal financial inclusion was 73 percent. However, only 25 percent of Nigerian adults were financially healthy, underscoring the gap between access to formal financial services and improved financial outcomes.

Representing Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Aisha Isa Olatinwo, director, Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion at the CBN, said the survey should serve as an accountability instrument for policymakers, regulators and financial service providers.

The 2026 A2F survey found that overall financial inclusion stood at 79 percent, while formal financial inclusion was 73 percent. However, only 25 percent of Nigerian adults were financially healthy, underscoring the gap between access to formal financial services and improved financial outcomes.

Representing Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Aisha Isa Olatinwo, director, Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion at the CBN, said the survey should serve as an accountability instrument for policymakers, regulators and financial service providers.

SLIC General: Building a Stronger Nation Through Protection

A stronger nation is one in which people have the confidence to face uncertainty, families have the means to recover from setbacks, businesses can withstand disruption and communities can rebuild when adversity strikes. Insurance plays a fundamental role in creating that resilience.

As Sri Lanka observes Insurance Month, it is an opportunity to look beyond insurance as simply a financial product and recognise its wider role in building a more secure and resilient nation. When people, businesses and communities are protected, the entire country stands stronger.

As Sri Lanka’s National Insurer, Sri Lanka Insurance General has long believed that protection should be accessible to everyone – not only to those who can afford comprehensive cover, but to people from every walk of life and across every sector of society.

This belief is reflected in the way SLIC General continues to develop insurance solutions around the real needs, livelihoods and aspirations of Sri Lankans.

For those who dedicate themselves to educating the nation’s children, Gurubuhuman provides protection designed with teachers in mind. For those whose livelihoods depend on the sea, Deewararekuma provides protection for people engaged in the fisheries industry. Through affordable solutions such as Janarekuma, personal accident protection can be extended to a much wider section of society.

Protection also extends to the places people call home and the assets they have worked hard to build. Home Light makes home insurance more accessible, with protection starting from just Rs. 1,900 a year. It is an example of how insurance can be made relevant and attainable for more Sri Lankan families.

These solutions represent more than a range of insurance products. They reflect an important principle: insurance must meet people where they are, understand what matters to them and provide protection that is within reach.

Every Sri Lankan has something worth protecting. It may be a home, a vehicle, a business, a livelihood, an income or simply the ability to provide for those they love. When more people have access to protection, families are better equipped to withstand unexpected events, businesses can recover faster, livelihoods can continue and communities can become more resilient.

For a country like Sri Lanka, building this resilience is a shared responsibility. Individuals, businesses, institutions and the insurance industry all have a role to play in creating a culture where protection is understood not as something to consider only after a loss, but as an essential part of planning for the future.

For SLIC General, this responsibility is deeply rooted in its heritage. For more than six decades, the company has evolved alongside the nation, protecting generations of Sri Lankans and standing beside them through times of uncertainty. Today, that experience is complemented by innovation, digital solutions, improved customer experiences and a continuing commitment to make insurance simpler, more accessible and more responsive.

As the National Insurer, SLIC General carries a responsibility that extends beyond business. Its nationwide presence and government ownership provide a strong foundation of stability and confidence, enabling the company to serve Sri Lankans across the country and contribute to a stronger culture of protection.

The trust earned over generations is reflected in SLIC General’s position today. The company is Sri Lanka’s No. 1 General Insurer by market share, the country’s Most Valuable General Insurance Brand, its Most Loved General Insurer and the Highest Fitch-Rated General Insurer. These distinctions are more than measures of market leadership. They represent the confidence placed in an insurer that has been part of the lives of Sri Lankans for generations.

This Insurance Month, SLIC General believes that protection is not simply about preparing for what could go wrong. It is about creating the confidence to move forward – to build, invest, grow, pursue ambitions and face tomorrow with greater certainty.

Because when individuals are protected, families are stronger.

When businesses are protected, economies are stronger.

When communities are protected, the nation is stronger.

And that is why SLIC General believes a stronger nation begins with protection.

SB Finance rewards JRS Express employee, gives away Honda BeAT motorcycle through eSALAD

What began as a workplace financial wellness partnership turned into a life-changing moment for one JRS Express employee.

SB Finance recently awarded a Honda BeAT motorcycle and ten PhP 2,000 Universal Giftaway vouchers to employees of JRS Express as part of an exclusive eSALAD campaign that encouraged employees to maximize their salary-linked credit facility.

JRS Express joined SB Finance’s growing roster of eSALAD partner companies in 2025, providing its close to 2,500 employees with access to the salary-linked loan program. To celebrate the partnership, SB Finance launched a promotional campaign, giving JRS employees who availed of their eSALAD credit limit the chance to win prizes through a raffle.

The official raffle draw was held on July 24, 2026, where SB Finance identified the winners of the gift vouchers and the grand prize-a brand-new Honda BeAT motorcycle.

For grand prize winner Jenovem Cruz, a JRS Express employee of three years, the prize arrived at exactly the right time.

Months before learning he had won, Cruz lost his motorcycle after it was severely damaged in a road accident caused by another motorist. Without compensation for the damage, he had been borrowing a motorcycle from their office just to travel to and from work.

Receiving a new motorcycle through the SB Finance raffle came as an unexpected blessing.

‘Hindi ko po talaga inaasahan na mananalo ako. Malaking tulong po ito sa akin, lalo na’t wala na akong sariling motor dahil sa aksidente. Ngayon, hindi ko na kailangang manghiram para makapasok sa trabaho,’ Cruz shared.

Aside from covering the expenses incurred by the accident, Cruz also made use of eSALAD to fund the daily needs of his wife and young child. Since then, he has been repaying his loan through automatic salary deduction not knowing that it would eventually lead to him winning what seems like a replacement for the prized possession he had to give up months prior.

‘We’re so glad that eSALAD has become even more meaningful for Jenovem and his colleagues, and we are thankful to JRS Express for allowing us to provide this financial cushion to their employees,’ said SB Finance Head of Corporate Employee Loan Jas Gaa. ‘Through our eSALAD partnerships, we hope to support employees not only with responsible financing solutions but also with meaningful programs that recognize and reward them.’

The eSALAD Program enables employees of accredited partner companies to access salary-linked financing through a convenient payroll deduction arrangement, helping make formal credit more accessible while promoting responsible borrowing.

‘Financial wellness is about more than providing access to credit. We are creating opportunities that improve people’s everyday lives,’ said SB Finance President and CEO Abbie Dans-Casanova.

Beyond financing, SB Finance continues to strengthen partnerships with employers by introducing value-added initiatives, including financial wellness seminars, employee engagement activities, and exclusive promotions designed to enhance the overall employee experience.

The partnership with JRS Express reflects SB Finance’s broader commitment to supporting the financial well-being of Filipino workers while building long-term relationships with organizations that prioritize employee welfare.

As the eSALAD network continues to grow, SB Finance remains committed to developing programs that not only provide financial solutions but also create memorable experiences and meaningful rewards for partner companies and their employees.

Government calls for shift from control to facilitation

The Government has called for a shift from a control-oriented approach to one focused on facilitating economic activities and investment, saying the change is necessary to support private-sector growth and implementation of Development Vision 2050.

Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba made the remarks on September 17, 2026, at the National Planners’ Conference in Arusha, saying excessive emphasis on regulation in some areas needed to give way to greater facilitation.

He said government officials needed to reconsider how they manage economic activities by creating conditions that make it easier for businesses to invest, expand production and create jobs. Dr Nchemba said the shift was particularly important because Dira 2050 expects the private sector to account for 70 per cent of its implementation.

‘This change is important because Vision 2050 expects the private sector to contribute 70 percent to its implementation. Achieving this target requires an environment that enables both domestic and foreign investment, expands productive activities and increases the number of taxpayers rather than relying on increasing taxes alone,’ he said.

The Prime Minister said Tanzania needed to change the way it worked to ensure development planning reflected changing economic circumstances.

He said planners should recognise that the conditions under which development plans are implemented could change, requiring policies and implementation approaches to respond accordingly.

Among the changes, he cited the declining availability of aid and concessional loans, which he said made domestic resources increasingly important in financing development.

Dr Nchemba said the changes in development financing required Tanzania to reconsider how it supported economic activities and created conditions for investment.

He said strengthening the private sector would be central to expanding production and broadening the country’s revenue base.

According to the Prime Minister, a stronger private sector would contribute to increased economic activity, creating more taxpayers and expanding the resources available to finance development.

He said increasing government revenue should not be approached only through higher taxes, but also through policies that encourage businesses to invest, expand their operations and increase economic activity.

Dr Nchemba said planners and other Government officials should ensure policies, plans and implementation mechanisms were designed to respond to changing circumstances rather than relying on approaches used in the past.

He said the shift towards facilitation should form part of efforts to create an environment in which businesses could participate more effectively in achieving national development targets.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came as Tanzania begins implementing Dira 2050, which seeks to transform the country’s economy and increase the role of private investment in achieving its long-term development targets.

The call also places the private sector at the centre of discussions on how the Government can translate the long-term vision into practical economic activities and results.

The conference, which brought together national planners, focused on implementation of Dira 2050 under the theme ‘Delivering Vision 2050: Strengthening Integrated Planning, Execution and Results’.

Dr Nchemba said changes in the operating environment should be reflected in the way Government plans and implements development programmes.

He said the objective should be to facilitate productive economic activity while maintaining necessary oversight, allowing the private sector to play its expected role in achieving the country’s long-term development ambitions.

High Grown tea crop sinks to 34-year low in Aug.

Sri Lanka’s High Grown tea production fell to 3.1 million kilograms (MnKg) in August, the lowest monthly output recorded from the elevation category in any month since the El Niño-affected year of 1992, according to Asia Siyaka Commodities.

The 1992 El Niño remains one of the most damaging weather events to have hit the industry; High Grown production that year fell to just 2.2 MnKg in April.

Citing Department of Meteorology records from 1992, Asia Siyaka noted that the country experienced a severe drought that year, marked by a sharp fall in rainfall between January and March. ‘During the 19911992 El Niño event, Sri Lanka experienced a significant drought characterised by a sharp drop in rainfall during the early part of the year (January to March).’ The brokerage added that meteorological data showed roughly 46% of the island’s land area received less than 10% of normal rainfall during that period.

Asia Siyaka said it referenced the 1992 records to highlight the challenges the industry could face in the first quarter of 2027, when extremely dry and hot conditions are anticipated. It made no forward-looking comment on the remainder of 2026 in this report. Conditions in August 2026 itself were markedly different from 1992, the brokerage said, with excessive rainfall and persistent overcast weather, rather than drought, adversely affecting production.

National tea output for August totalled 19 MnKg, down 3.65% from 19.72 MnKg in the corresponding month of 2025 and down 10.97% from 21.34 MnKg in August 2024, according to Forbes and Walker Research. By elevation, High Grown production fell 16.17% year-on-year (YoY) to 3.02 MnKg and Medium Grown output declined 14.77% YoY to 2.7 MnKg. Low Growns were the sole gainer among the major categories, rising 2.59% YoY to 13.09 MnKg, while Green Tea edged up 0.17% YoY to 0.18 MnKg.

Asia Siyaka’s own estimates showed a similar pattern, with total output down 3.7% YoY to 18.9 MnKg from 19.7 MnKg, Low Growns rising to 13.1 MnKg from 12.7 MnKg, Medium Growns falling 14% YoY to 2.7 MnKg, and High Growns down 15.8% YoY.

Cumulative production for January-August stood at 172.21 MnKg, a decline of 2.7% from 176.98 MnKg in the same period of 2025, Forbes and Walker Research data showed. High Grown output for the eight months was marginally ahead of last year, up 0.14% to 37.35 MnKg, while Green Tea rose 8.17% to 1.74 MnKg. Medium Growns declined 6.21% YoY to 29.75 MnKg and Low Growns fell 2.81% YoY to 103.37 MnKg.

Against the same period of 2024, cumulative output was down a marginal 0.16%, with High Growns and Green Tea ahead by 3.01% and 16.45%, respectively, while Medium and Low Growns remained below 2024 levels.

Asia Siyaka’s cumulative figures broadly corroborated this picture, putting High Growns marginally ahead of last year at 38.3 MnKg against 38.1 MnKg, Medium Growns down 6% YoY to 30.4 MnKg, and Low Growns down almost 3% YoY to 103.3 MnKg.

The brokerage also gave a breakdown by manufacturing method, showing Orthodox Tea (the traditional whole-leaf process) down about 3% YoY, while CTC (crush-tear-curl, the machine-processed method typically used for tea bags) rose almost 7% YoY and Green Tea increased 8% YoY.