Encouraged to explore intercropping cocoa
State-owned plantations to be leased for food industry development
President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionery Manufacturers Association (LCMA) in Colombo pledged government support, including Rs. 8 billion for research and development, to foster a local thriving confectionery industry.
Urging collaboration, innovation and expansion into various areas of the food industry he identified the industry as a “low-hanging fruit” for economic growth.
Wickremesinghe emphasized the potential for Sri Lanka to become a global player in the confectionery industry. He encouraged Sri Lankan confectioners to expand their horizons and tap into international markets.
The President urged the confectioners to explore new markets and export their products. He further noted the limitations of expansion within the country and suggested looking beyond borders, citing the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 1978 (by Upali Wijewardane). The President emphasized the significance of positioning Sri Lankan chocolates as a world-class product, similar to the renowned reputation of the country’s tea and cinnamon.
He expressed optimism about the potential for Sri Lankan chocolates to become globally recognized. 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 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 plantations 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.
Acknowledging the substantial contributions of pioneering founders and manufacturers in the confectionery industry to the development of the Sri Lankan economy, President Wickremesinghe presented awards to esteemed individuals.
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