Latest news with #Dilmah
The Diplomat
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Diplomat
Sri Lanka's Tariff Shock
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to his Sri Lankan counterpart, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, informing him that the United States will impose a 30 percent tariff on all Sri Lankan exports from August 1. While some argue that this rate is better than what some regional competitors like Laos and Cambodia face, it is clear that Sri Lanka's dependence on a handful of export markets and an even narrower band of products has left it vulnerable to sudden policy shifts by its main trade partners. It is also a warning of more pain ahead if the country doesn't fundamentally change course. Since 1977, Sri Lanka has followed the model prescribed by international lenders and consultants, i.e., open markets, free trade, and export-led growth. Sri Lanka has reduced tariffs, liberalized its economy, and chosen foreign direct investment, tourism, and the apparel sector as engines of its growth. This formula has delivered sporadic growth, but it has also created significantg vulnerabilities. According to Sri Lanka's Export Development Board, in 2024, Sri Lanka's total merchandise exports amounted to $12.7 billion. Almost 40 percent of the export income came from apparel, 11 percent from tea, and 7.3 percent from rubber-based products. In 2024, about 25 percent of all manufactured exports went to the U.S., with textiles and apparel accounting for about 40 percent of that total. The European Union (about 24 percent) is the other dominant customer, because of the preferential access under the GSP+ scheme. For many years, academics and researchers have warned that Sri Lanka's narrow base was its main vulnerability. Sri Lanka produces mostly low-value-added goods, apparel, tea, rubber, and seafood for Western buyers, who add value to these products under their own labels. Sri Lanka does not have internationally recognized brands (or even brands recognized in South Asia, perhaps with the exception of Dilmah tea), which prevents any brand loyalty or the ability to charge a premium. It has not invested in higher-value manufacturing, and productivity of most sectors is low. For example, Sri Lankan apparel, the country's main merchandise export, is not competitive without tariff exemptions from the U.S. and the EU. Thus, when the U.S. or EU makes a policy change, the impact is immediate, sweeping, and difficult to escape. The U.S. says it is imposing tariffs on other countries as a response to 'unsustainable trade deficit and a lack of reciprocity.' The apparel sector will bear the brunt of this decision. Industry bodies like the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers' Association warn that up to 50,000 jobs could be lost as the competitive gap with India or Vietnam, two of its fiercest regional rivals in apparel manufacturing, would widen due to the tariffs. This is not the first time that Sri Lanka's foreign trade vulnerability has been exposed. The EU's GSP+ has always come with strings attached, linking market access to a wide range of non-trade issues, from human rights to environmental standards. The EU revoked GSP+ concessions in 2010 over human rights concerns and only reinstated access in 2017. In the past few years, the EU has passed several resolutions condemning the 'deterioration' of Sri Lanka's human rights situation, and the country has to be on pins and needles each time the concession is under review. Unfortunately, successive Sri Lankan governments have done very little to find new markets or promote new products. Sri Lanka's exports to China, ASEAN, and Africa remain low. The National People's Power government has vowed to change these patterns. While the task is not easy, recent developments have shown it is urgent. Sri Lanka must break the cycle of dependency by investing in domestic brands, supporting value addition, and diversifying both its products and export destinations. This means moving up the value chain in manufacturing, supporting entrepreneurs, and protecting key sectors from the worst excesses of global competition while they scale and innovate. It also means developing a trade and industrial policy that serves Sri Lanka's long-term interests, rather than aping models from abroad. A stronger, more resilient economy will require difficult choices, from education and research investment, and a realistic assessment of the country's exposure to foreign shocks. Without a fundamental shift towards diversification, value addition, and strategic independence, the next blow, whether from Washington or Brussels, could be even harder to withstand.
Time Out
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit
Why stay at The StandardX? When The StandardX announced its Bangkok debut in late 2024, it caused quite a stir among design lovers and coolhunters. This sibling to the glam Standard brand is the edgier, younger artist in the family. Located right on Phra Arthit Road, in Bangkok's historic Rattanakosin Island, The StandardX fuses old-town soul with Gen Z style. The hotel stands out immediately. Outside, a figure by (aka Varagun 'Andy' Chongthanapipat) welcomes you like a surreal sentinel. Inside, the aesthetic punches with impact, with high ceilings, gallery-like corridors and rotating art exhibitions that make your stay feel like you're checking into a living installation. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink, just the right touch to ease into the hotel's creative and easy vibe. What are the rooms like at The StandardX? I stayed in the Deluxe Riverview room, and let me tell you, it's got charm. A welcome amenity kit (complete with a hand fan, an 'X'-branded tote and a candy jar) sets a playful tone. The colour scheme is modern, with monochrome tones. The robes that hang in the wardrobe pop with electric blue. Cosy lighting comes both from the glow of passing boats on the Chao Phraya river and the warm-toned lamps around your room. The bathroom is thoughtfully designed, playing with deep blues and white tiles, with a wood wall cabinet and a wood-and-black marble table under the sink to add warmth. It has all the basics: shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion, though you'll need to request a toothbrush set from reception. There's a mini fridge, drip coffee, Dilmah tea and a few drinks and snacks for purchase, including fizzy oolong and craft beer. The bed is big and soft, dressed with a cosy blanket that makes it hard to leave in the morning. Desk space is generous, with two work tables and multiple seating options. But the crown jewel is the balcony. With chairs, a table and uninterrupted river views, including the nearby Phra Arthit pier, it's a fantastic spot for sundown musings or a morning coffee. What are the best places to eat at The StandardX? The hotel's signature restaurant, Bang, is a riot of colour and creativity. Guests can choose to dine outdoors under fairy lights with the river in view, or sit inside among paintings and playfully mismatched furniture like transparent coloured chairs at stainless steel tables. The menu focuses on elevated Thai cuisine, with clear respect for tradition and a modern sense of fun. Start with their standout som tum platter, crispy and fresh papaya salad served with grilled pork jowl, chicken, deep-fried white pork sausage, rice noodles and sticky rice. Full-on feast mode. Massaman curry with Benja chicken (sous-vided for two hours!) was equally memorable and roti with caramelised banana made for a sticky, crispy finish. Drinks here have got you covered with herbal tonics, cold-pressed juices, classic cocktails, local craft beers, mocktails and a wine list that doesn't skimp. The atmosphere at Bang is so inviting that it doubles as the breakfast spot for guests – a treat I couldn't resist returning for the next morning. Breakfast is a la carte and unlimited. The pork congee hits all the comforting notes, while 'eggs your way' lets guests choose sides like chicken sausage, grilled tomatoes, baked beans and streaky bacon. There's also a solid vegetarian selection, plus yogurt, fresh fruit and stir-fried Singapore-style noodles . What are the facilities like at The StandardX? To reach the rooftop pool, you wind your way past artwork, murals and cheeky design touches tucked into nooks. You'll arrive first at The Roof, the hotel's top-floor bar with knockout city and river views. Perched on the sixth floor, The Roof is inspired by the robust flavours of Mexico. Step just beyond that and you'll find the pool, a sky-high rectangle overlooking the majestic Rama VIII Bridge with views of the Chao Phraya. At dusk, with music playing and the river glistening, it's hard to think of a better place to be. If you're into art, you'll love the programming. During my stay, the hallways featured works by Pahn Riety, a surreal collection titled Ballad for the Breathing, hosted by 10 10 Art Space. And from August 1-3 2025, The StandardX will host Mango Art Festival's 'Urban Collectibles 2025,' an event uniting independent galleries, emerging artists and collectors from across Thailand and beyond. What is the service like at The StandardX? Service here feels intuitive. Staff are casually dressed but professionally tuned-in, with just the right mix of friendliness and discretion. At breakfast, servers checked in often enough to make you feel seen, but never interrupted. On checkout, the front desk let me browse local craft stalls while they confirmed the room. It's the kind of place that gives warm, human, stylishly relaxed vibes. What's the area like around The StandardX? The StandardX sits on Phra Arthit Road, a stretch of Bangkok's Old Town with equal parts grit and grace. It's a five-minute walk to Khaosan Road (party central). Phra Arthit Pier is right next door, offering easy boat connections up and down the Chao Phraya. Opposite the hotel is Coconut Culture, a popular ice cream shop that swaps out dairy for coconut. Just down the street is Nai Soie Beef Noodle, a legendary beef noodle shop, and around the corner is 108 Juices, famous for its fresh, no-water, no-sugar juices, ideal for a post-party detox or pre-breakfast pick-me-up. The neighbourhood combines Thai elements with youthful energy. Think indie cafes, Santichaiprakarn Park, cultural festivals, ancient temples and river breezes, all within walking distance. Why should you book a stay at The StandardX? If you want a stay that mixes art, food, design and culture, this is your place. It's stylish without being try-hard, service is warm but not overbearing, and the atmosphere is one of creative freedom. The StandardX feels like both a hotel made for tourists and a creative retreat for the globally curious. Whether you're a local on a staycation or a traveller seeking something more than a room with a view, The StandardX delivers. My tip? Book a Riverview room, come during an art week and don't miss that rooftop pool at sunset. Address: 45/1 Phra Athit Rd, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
Times
27-06-2025
- Times
Ceylon Tea Trails hotel review: a bucolic bolt hole in remote Sri Lankan countryside
Sri Lanka's Central Highlands are a rolling, rippling mass of lush landscapes. Swathes of tea plantation stretch across the waistband of the country, shrouded in steamy trails of mist. It's here, buried deep within these endless acres of foliage that you'll discover Ceylon Tea Trails, the first hotel in the Resplendent Ceylon collection: a clutch of homegrown hotels owned by the Fernando family, founders of Dilmah Tea (one of the country's foremost tea brands). A quintet of colonial-era bungalows studded across the tea estates have been carefully transformed into heritage hideaways set deep within nature, ideal for slowing down and sinking into time-honoured Sri Lankan traditions. This serene retreat is best for honeymooners or loved-up couples looking to unwind. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 7/10Five historic tea-planter bungalows dating back as far as 1888 have been restored and remodelled into luxe lodges, scattered across 2,000 acres of tea country. Spread apart across sprawling estates (as far as 10 miles from each other), you'll find three of the lodges perched on the banks and hills of Castlereagh Reservoir, with a further two overlooking swooping Bogawantalawa valley. More private home than hotel, each lodge has a team of personal butlers to attend to your every whim and fancy, be it delivering freshly brewed tea and biscuits to your bedroom at any hour, or laundering your clothes after long romps across the estate. There are shared sitting rooms for spreading across squashy sofas, and a formal restaurant is eschewed in favour of relaxed indoor-outdoor dining areas. Colonial accents reign supreme in the five or so suites contained within each bungalow: think graceful four-posters swathed in linen and rattan furnishings. Mod-cons such as TVs and air conditioning are missing, but there's plenty of old-school charm to make up for it, from vintage black-and-white portraits to terraces that lead onto tranquil private gardens. Spacious bathrooms feature clawfoot bath tubs, double vanities and marble checkered floors. • Discover our full guide to Sri Lanka Score 7/10Mornings begin with a pot of brew brought to your bedroom — a colonial tradition named 'bed tea' — before languid breakfasts of egg hoppers and omelettes nibbled on the verandah. Set menus for lunch and dinner are devised each day by the chef (the only choice you'll have to make is between the Western and Sri Lankan menu), with four-course suppers encompassing tea-infused dishes and warming curries. Afternoon tea is a carefully observed ritual, where you can tuck into homemade scones with lashings of rhubarb jam and clotted cream. Stays are fully inclusive of all meals, snacks and tipples, so it's impossible to go hungry; in lieu of minibars in the bedrooms, pour yourself a drink in the drawing room, and simply request something to nibble whenever you're peckish, and the team will appear with homemade cakes and sandwiches. • Best things to do in Sri Lanka• Best beaches in Sri Lanka Score 8/10There's no central hub here: instead, the lodges function almost entirely as singular properties, with separate pools and sitting areas to lounge across. Days are mostly spent outside: there's endless acreage of tea country to explore, and it's worth heading out into the tangle with one of the hotel's expert guides, who can navigate the best routes for striking views over Castlereagh Reservoir. Winding pathways snake across miles and miles of plantation, framed by mango and eucalyptus trees, centuries-old granite, and bushes blossoming with all kinds of tropical flora. Along your route, it's worth scoping out the other lodges that form Ceylon Tea Trails, followed by tea tastings and picnic lunches in the treetops. For an immersive deep dive into Sri Lankan tea culture, a visit to Dunkeld Tea Factory is a must: it's here that you'll be able to witness some of the behind-the-scenes action that's part of Dilmah Tea's production. Kayaking across Castlereagh Reservoir, sunrise hikes to Adam's Peak,and expeditions further afield to Kandy and Ella can all be arranged. There's no spa or gym here, but sun-soaked afternoons are spent by the pool and heated whirlpool. Score 7/10Found in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, Ceylon Tea Trails is as remote as can be: it's a 4-5 hour drive from Colombo Airport (traffic dependent), or a scenic 30 minute flight by seaplane, where you'll land directly on Castlereagh Reservoir. Kandy, Ella, and Nuwara Eliya stretch out in various directions: the journey time is around 2-3 hours to each of these towns. Thanks to the rugged roads and winding pathways, mobility isn't the easiest here, but there's plenty of opportunity to roam far and wide within the plantations. Price B&B doubles £531Restaurant n/aFamily-friendly YAccessible N Gina Jackson was a guest of Ceylon Tea Trails ( • The best Sri Lanka tours• Best hotels in Sri Lanka
The Star
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Local flavours served with flair in KL rooftop cafe
A VIBRANT homage to local flavours served with a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur's skyline is what awaits guests on level 40 of a city hotel. Called 'Locally-Tea Bites', this afternoon tea is being served at Trace Restaurant and Bar of Element Kuala Lumpur. A three-tiered basket presentation invites guests to uncover each handcrafted layer by unboxing the treats. The experience begins with a tray of 'Chilled Delights'. These include Salmon Gravlax with Cream Cheese Tart, Chicken Rendang and Cheese Brioche Bite, and Sicilian Grilled Prawn paired with Harum Manis Salsa and Lettuce. The 'Locally-Tea Bites' afternoon tea set at Trace Restaurant and Bar. The 'Warm and Comforting' layer continues the journey with bold familiar flavours such as Otak-Otak Mousse with Thai Green Curry Sauce, Deconstructed Chicken Drumette with Hot Sauce and Mini Vegetable Pot Pie. For the finale, the 'Sweet Temptation' tray presents an assortment of Raspberry Lychee Mousse, Chilled Coconut with Gula Melaka Pearls, Craquelin Jackfruit Puff, Bandung Layer Cake and Chocolate Indulgence Petite Tarts. The set is served alongside a pot of Dilmah's premium hot tea. The 'Locally-Tea Bites' afternoon tea set is priced at RM168nett for two persons. It is available daily, from 1pm to 5pm, until July. For reservations, call 03-2771 3351 or visit
Nikkei Asia
03-06-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Sri Lanka tea plantations offer a lesson in power and persistence
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, Sri Lanka -- On a visit to Singapore in 2023, I enjoyed a Bridgerton-style afternoon tea offered by a hotel as part of a collaboration with Dilmah tea, a brand rooted in Sri Lanka. As I sipped a bespoke blend, redolent of that island's misty highlands, I found myself pondering the journey the leaves had made across the Indian Ocean to the edge of the South China Sea. Now, visiting Sri Lanka, I find myself at Ceylon Tea Trails, the world's first tea bungalow resort and a member of Relais & Chateaux, a France-based association of independent hotels. Owned by the Fernando family, the founders of the Colombo-based Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, this collection of five heritage bungalows nestles near the Pekoe Trail, a newly established hiking path that winds through the heart of tea country in the Central Highlands region.
