Sri Lanka Food Processors Association Holds 29th Annual General Meeting

The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully convened its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 23, 2026, at the Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla. Bringing together key industry stakeholders and member organizations, the event served as a platform to review milestone achievements from the 2025/2026 term and outline strategic priorities for the nation's food and beverage processing sector.

Founded in 1997 as an advocacy body, SLFPA has grown to represent over 185 member companies—ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to major multinational corporations—dedicated to driving industrial growth, quality standards, and export capabilities

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant Representative (Programme) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Addressing the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association, representative from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) called for an integrated approach to food systems transformation. Emphasizing that food loss and waste must be addressed across the entire value chain from producers to consumers, the speech highlighted the need for strategic policy support, advanced technology, and improved infrastructure.

Key priorities outlined included transitioning from simple waste management to viewing waste as a resource, adopting sustainable packaging alternatives to single use plastics, and investing in cold chain logistics. The representative underscored the critical role of data collection, farm to table food safety, and full product traceability to meet stringent global export standards and ensure long-term food security.

Reaffirming FAO’s strategic partnership with local ministries and industry leaders, the speaker urged processors to unite, innovate, and maximize value creation to support Sri Lanka’s agricultural economy.

Mr. Aruna Senanayake President of SLFPA highlighted the key achievements for the 2025/2026 term in policy advocacy, capacity building, and industry expansion as follows;

During the year, SLFPA presented a comprehensive industry development strategy to His excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to boost sector competitiveness and export performance at the meeting organized by Export development Board. In partnership with the Ministry of Health and FAO, the association established a nationwide Food Handler Training initiative targeting approximately 1,000 workers. The flagship ProFood ProPack & AgBiz 2026 exhibition achieved record success, drawing nearly 26,000 visitors and 427 stalls. Highlighting member engagement and industry development, the President also showcased key SLFPA initiatives, including the annual SLFPA Cricket Tournament and the SLFPA Knowledge Circle. Also, the Association launched a sector-focused career facilitation platform aimed at connecting skilled professionals, job seekers, and interns with emerging employment opportunities across Sri Lanka’s growing food processing industry.

Project Chair Building Development Project and Immediate Past President Mr. Thusith Wijesinghe briefed attendees on major strategic initiatives, noting significant advancement on the "SLFPA Tower" headquarters project.

A significant highlight of the evening was a special ceremony honoring all Past Presidents of the Association who have served from 1997 to the present day. Each former president was presented with a commemorative memento in appreciation of their foundational leadership and lasting contributions to Sri Lanka's food processing ecosystem.

At the AGM, the new Executive Committee for 2027/2028 was appointed, comprising:

Honorary President		Mr. Aruna Senanayake	C.W. Mackie PLC
Imme. Past President		Mr. Thusith Wijesinghe	Trans Continental Packaging & Commodities (Pvt) Ltd.
President Elect		Mr. Nadishan Guruge	Meadlee Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd.
1^st Vice President		Mr. Damitha Perera	Forbes & Walkers Commodity Brockers (Pvt) Ltd.
2^nd Vice President		Mr. Rasika Seneviratne	Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC
3^rd Vice President		Mr. Deepal De Alwis	Neochem International (Pvt) Ltd.
Honorary Secretary		Mr. Amila Weerasinghe	Nestle Lanka Limited.
	Asst. Secretary	Mr. Dineth Alahakoon	Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd.
	Honorary Treasurer	Mr. Sameera Jayathilaka	Westmann Engineering Company (Pvt) Ltd.
	Asst. Treasurer	Mr. Niroshan Dalpethado	C D De Fonseka & Sons (Pvt) Limited.

In addition to the above office bearers, 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 was proudly supported by key industry partners, with SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd serving as the Platinum Sponsor. Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. and Nestlé Lanka Ltd. joined as Gold Sponsors, Ceylon Agro Industries - Prima as the Silver Sponsor, while Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (LECS) and Hero Nature Products (Pvt) Ltd., supported as Bronze Sponsors.

The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Hony. Secretary Mr. Deepal De Alwis, followed by cocktails and a fellowship networking session, providing an opportunity for members to connect and strengthen industry ties.