Shan Meemanage Honored with Prestigious Award for Innovation in Shellfish Farming and Exports from Sri Lanka

Tropical Shellfish (Pvt) Ltd, established in 2015, by Shan Meemanage - a distinguished leader in Sri Lanka's seafood export industry, has been named the winner of the Most Innovative Shellfish Farming & Export Company of the Year, Asia Award 2024 by Business World International Organization. The award ceremony, will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on January 25, 2025, celebrates Shan’s exceptional contributions to sustainable aquaculture and innovative practices that have revolutionized the seafood export industry in Asia.

The award is granted by the Prime Minister of Thailand - Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the event will be graced by the King of Thailand - Vajiralongkorn, the occasion. Shan Meemanage’s groundbreaking model of cultivating giant freshwater prawns in open reservoirs—the world’s first and only such initiative—has positioned him as the largest exporter of these prawns to Thailand, a milestone he pioneered from Sri Lanka. This sustainable approach involves thousands of local fishermen, transforming livelihoods while earning global recognition.

With over three [03] decades of experience, Shan has been a driving force behind Sri Lanka’s seafood export sector. Under his visionary leadership, Sri Lanka has become renowned globally for exporting premium seafood delicacies, including Giant Freshwater Prawns, Sri Lankan Mud Crabs, Oysters, and Clams.

As the founder of Divron Bioventures, Shan has championed sustainable aquaculture practices that balance environmental preservation with industry growth. His commitment to innovation has positioned Divron Bioventures as a leading force in ethical seafood farming and exportation. In recognition of these efforts, Divron Bioventures was awarded in 2018 by President Maithripala Sirisena for its significant contributions to inland fisheries and aquaculture.

Shan is also the co-founder of Dutch Trails, a premier restaurant in Negombo, Sri Lanka, celebrated for its unique fusion of Sri Lankan culinary traditions with modern gastronomy.

Speaking on his award win, Chairman, Tropical Shellfish Pvt Ltd - Shan Meemanage stated: “I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award. It reflects my journey and the collective effort to uphold sustainability and innovation in the seafood industry. I dedicate this recognition to my team and Sri Lanka’s rich marine heritage”.

This accolade reinforces Shan’s reputation as a trailblazer in the seafood industry, whose commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation continues to garner international acclaim.

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