President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined a vision to become a major global player in the confectionery industry, stressing the potential for the ‘Made in Sri Lanka chocolates’ to gain international recognition.
Speaking at the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionery Manufacturers Association (LCMA) on Wednesday, the President encouraged local confectioners to expand their reach and tap into international markets. Acknowledging the worldwide success of Ceylon tea and cinnamon, Wickremesinghe posed a forward-thinking question, “How long before I can take chocolates and go?”
Expressing optimism, he called on the confectioners to explore new markets and consider exporting their products, insisting on the need to position ‘Made in Sri Lanka chocolates’ as a world-class product comparable to the distinguished reputation of the country’s tea and cinnamon.
Reflecting on the history of the confectionery industry, the President commended the pioneers and highlighted the sector’s growth and resilience.
President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the limitations for expansion within the country and drew attention to the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, in 1978, as a testament to international triumph.
The President urged the confectionery industry to explore intercropping with cocoa, suggesting potential expansion in State plantations in Matale, Kandy, Mawathagama, and Dodangaslanda. Plans for collaboration with smallholders and discussions with the Governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast for cocoa access were also highlighted.
Pledging Government support, the President announced Rs. 8 billion for research and development to foster a thriving confectionery industry, urging collaboration, innovation and expansion into various areas of the food industry.
President Wickremesinghe outlined broader initiatives, including leasing State-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies for the development of the food industry, including confectionery.
He also disclosed plans to modernise agriculture, boost competitiveness through the National Productivity Commission and enhance trade agreements with India and Thailand.
Addressing economic challenges, the President recognised ongoing negotiations for an additional 20 years to address the economic crisis.
Highlighting the need for sustainable solutions, he underscored the importance of export-oriented strategies to overcome financial hurdles. Advocating for increased exports, he identified the confectionery industry, particularly chocolates, as holding the potential for international recognition.
Awards were presented to esteemed confectionery industry founders and manufacturers, including Hinni Appuhamy, and Arthur Von. Possner, Junius Motha, Mineka Wickremesinghe, P.J.C. Perera, Sinnasamy Muttiah, Upali Wijewardene and Vidanage John Appuhami in recognition of their immense contribution.
LCMA Chairman Dr. Samitha Perera has the pivotal role of increasing the country’s dollar income for sustaining current benefits.
He also expressed gratitude for the President’s substantial efforts in the economic recovery of Sri Lanka, acknowledging his presence as a source of courage and strength for the industry’s advancement.
Perera appreciated the President’s endeavours to improve the economy and emphasised the industry’s alignment with those efforts. Recognising the challenges faced amid a tough macroeconomic environment, he affirmed the organisation’s solidarity with the President.
Industrial and Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, accompanied by Finance Minister Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Sanarathunga and members of the LCMA attended the event.
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