The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully held its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 23, 2026, at the Water’s Edge Hotel in Battaramulla. The event brought together significant figures from the industry and member organizations, serving as a venue to reflect on the achievements of the 2025/2026 term and to establish strategic goals for the food and beverage processing sector in the country.
Established in 1997 as a body for advocacy, SLFPA has expanded its representation to over 185 member companies, which include a mix of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large multinational corporations. The association is committed to fostering industrial growth, upholding quality standards, and enhancing export capabilities.
Mr. Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant Representative (Programme) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, he called for a comprehensive approach to transforming food systems, stressing the importance of addressing food loss and waste throughout the entire value chain, from producers to consumers. He highlighted the necessity for strategic policy support, technological advancements, and improved infrastructure.
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Among the key priorities he mentioned were the shift from simple waste management towards recognizing waste as a resource, the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions in place of single-use plastics, and investments in cold chain logistics. The representative also emphasized the vital need for data collection, ensuring food safety from farm to table, and achieving complete product traceability to comply with stringent global export standards and ensure food security in the long term.
Reiterating FAO’s ongoing collaboration with local ministries and industry leaders, he encouraged processors to come together, innovate, and maximize value creation to bolster Sri Lanka’s agricultural economy.
Mr. Aruna Senanayake, President of SLFPA, reviewed the significant accomplishments of the 2025/2026 term in areas such as policy advocacy, capacity building, and industry growth. During the year, SLFPA presented a detailed industry development strategy to His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, aimed at enhancing sector competitiveness and export performance at a meeting organized by the Export Development Board. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and FAO, the association launched a nationwide Food Handler Training initiative that targets about 1,000 workers. The notable ProFood ProPack & AgBiz 2026 exhibition attracted a record attendance of nearly 26,000 visitors and featured 427 stalls. Mr. Senanayake also highlighted member engagement initiatives, such as the annual SLFPA Cricket Tournament and the SLFPA Knowledge Circle, as well as the introduction of a sector-focused career facilitation platform to connect skilled professionals, job seekers, and interns with new opportunities in Sri Lanka’s expanding food processing sector.
Mr. Thusith Wijesinghe, Project Chair of the Building Development Project and Immediate Past President, provided updates on significant strategic initiatives, including major progress on the “SLFPA Tower” headquarters project.
A special moment during the evening was the ceremony honoring all Past Presidents of the Association from its inception in 1997 to the present. Each former president received a commemorative memento in recognition of their foundational leadership and enduring contributions to the food processing landscape in Sri Lanka.
During the AGM, a new Executive Committee for the 2027/2028 term was elected, which includes:
- Honorary President: Mr. Aruna Senanayake – C.W. Mackie PLC
- Immediate Past President: Mr. Thusith Wijesinghe – Trans Continental Packaging & Commodities (Pvt) Ltd.
- President Elect: Mr. Nadishan Guruge – Meadlee Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd.
- 1st Vice President: Mr. Damitha Perera – Forbes & Walkers Commodity Brokers (Pvt) Ltd.
- 2nd Vice President: Mr. Rasika Seneviratne – Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC
- 3rd Vice President: Mr. Deepal De Alwis – Neochem International (Pvt) Ltd.
- Honorary Secretary: Mr. Amila Weerasinghe – Nestle Lanka Limited
- Assistant Secretary: Mr. Dineth Alahakoon – Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd.
- Honorary Treasurer: Mr. Sameera Jayathilaka – Westmann Engineering Company (Pvt) Ltd.
- Assistant Treasurer: Mr. Niroshan Dalpethado – C D De Fonseka & Sons (Pvt) Limited.
Additionally, the following ten Executive Committee Members were appointed:
- Mr. Sanjeewa De Silva – Unilever Sri Lanka Limited
- Mr. Sheran De Alwis – MA’S Tropical Food Processing (Pvt) Limited
- Mr. Thusitha Ekanayake – Anods Cocoa (Pvt) Ltd.
- Mr. Vijitha Govinna – Plenty Foods (Pvt) Limited
- Ms. Praharshi Wickramasekara – International Commodity Exports (Pvt) Ltd.
- Mr. Sanjeewa Niroshan – SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
- Mr. Kushan Amarasinghe – Finagle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
- Mr. Rangajeewa Hettiarrachchi – Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
- Mr. Harindra Abeyrathna – Vision Technologies International (Pvt) Ltd.
- Mr. Thilina Weerasekara – Ceylon Cold Stores PLC
The event received notable support from key industry partners, with SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd serving as the Platinum Sponsor. Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. and Nestlé Lanka Ltd. participated as Gold Sponsors, while Ceylon Agro Industries – Prima acted as the Silver Sponsor. Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (LECS) and Hero Nature Products (Pvt) Ltd. contributed as Bronze Sponsors.
The proceedings wrapped up with a vote of thanks from Honorary Secretary Mr. Deepal De Alwis, followed by a cocktail reception and a networking session, allowing members to connect and strengthen their industry relationships.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
