Palm Oil Cultivators propose industry can help economic recovery
Emphasizing that allowing the Palm Oil Industry Association of Sri Lanka (POIASL) to expand in Sri Lanka can only be beneficial, POIASL President Dr Rohan Fernando said, “The imminent rescindment of the ban on oil palm cultivation in Sri Lanka will provide our country with an opportunity to further improve its macroeconomic position and increase self-sufficiency concerning edible oils, while paving the way for increased export revenues from coconut oil, and eventually oil palm itself. Liberalization will also empower smallholders and transform rural economies at the same time.”
“We must look to build synergies with the media and the Asian Palm Oil Alliance to build awareness, and rely on our Malaysian and Indonesian friends, through their missions here, to realize the promising future that oil palm cultivation holds for Sri Lanka, ultimately strengthening our economy and creating value for Sri Lanka and the world.”
POIASL held its 4th AGM on the 24th of November 2022, at the JAIC Hilton in Colombo. High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka and Maldives –Dato Tan Yang Thai, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia-Dewi Gustina Tobing, stakeholders, including cultivators, refiners, processors, manufactures marketers and sellers, and invitees from private and public institutions were present at this event.
Delivering the keynote address Tobing said, “Palm oil has characteristics that are not readily replaceable. Global demand for palm oil is steadily increasing, and the industry is both environmentally and economically sustainable, and is a golden opportunity for Sri Lanka to improve its edible oil self-sufficiency while strengthening its export sector, and we are willing to help our Sri Lankan friends in this. On this special occasion, based on the positive facts and advantages of the palm oil industry, I would like to encourage all stakeholders to support the development of oil palm plantations and the industry in Sri Lanka, as palm oil shall remain the world’s leading vegetable oil for years and decades to come.”
She added, “It is important to empower farmers in Sri Lanka through the ‘smallholder model’, as such initiatives will enhance the quality of the livelihoods of the farmers involved in the agriculture sector. Collective measures by palm oil-producing countries are indispensable. Collaboration, cooperation and partnership are the keys.”
The AGM of the POIASL concluded with a pressing emphasis on the immediate need to rescind the ban on oil palm cultivation, which the industry believes will be achieved shortly while renewing its commitment to create awareness and make factual information readily available to the public.