INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionary Manufacturers Association (LCMA) on
Wednesday (24) at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo emphasized the potential for Sri Lanka to become a global player in the confectionery
He encouraged Sri Lankan confectioners to expand their horizons and tap into international markets.Acknowledging the success of Sri Lankan
His encouragement aimed to inspire the confectionery industry to embark on a journey towards global recognition and market
He expressed optimism about the potential for Sri Lankan chocolates to become globally recognized
The President urged the confectioners to explore new markets and export their products
He further noted the limitations for expansion within the country and suggested looking beyond borders, citing the success of the Kandos
factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 1978.Addressing economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the ongoing negotiations
for an additional 20 years to address the economic crisis
However, he stressed the need for a sustainable solution and highlighted the importance of export-oriented strategies to overcome financial
He advocated for increased exports and identified the confectionery industry, particularly chocolates, as having the potential for
international recognition.President Wickremesinghe encouraged the confectionery industry to explore intercropping with cocoa, citing state
plantations in Matale, Kandy, Mawathagama, and Dodangaslanda for potential expansion
He mentioned plans to collaborate with smallholders and discussions with the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast for access to cocoa, the
PMD mentioned.The President outlined broader initiatives, including leasing state-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies or Sri Lankan
companies with foreign shareholders for the development of the food industry, encompassing confectionery
Virtually all the lands owned by Chilaw and Kurunegala plantation plus Elkaduwa with JEDB and SPC
He disclosed plans for modernizing agriculture, enhancing competitiveness through the National Productivity Commission and upgrading trade
agreements with India and Thailand.President Wickremesinghe pledged government support, including Rs
8 billion for research and development, to foster a thriving confectionery industry urging collaboration, innovation and expansion into
of pioneering founders and manufacturers in the confectionery industry to the development of the Sri Lankan economy, President
Wickremesinghe presented awards to esteemed individuals
Recipients of these awards included Mr
Hinni Appuhamy, Founder of Maliban Group; Mr
Possner, Founder of Ceylon Cold Stores (Elephant House); Mr
Junius Motha, Founder of Motha; Deshamanya Mineka Wickremesinghe, Founder of Manchee; Mr
P.J.C Perera, Founder of Uswatte Group; Mr
Sinnasamy Muttiah, Founder of Luckyland; Mr
Upali Wijewardhena, Founder of Kandos; and Mr
Vidanage John Appuhami, Founder of Cherish.Additionally, Chairman of the LCMA, Dr
Samitha Prerera, presented a special memento to the President.During the event, Mr
Ramesh Pathirana, accompanied by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardena, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic
Sanarathunga and various officials from LCMA, graced the event, according to the PMD.
