Ritzbury honoured with Sri Lanka’s highest National Quality Award marks a significant milestone for the country’s food manufacturing industry, reinforcing its reputation for excellence, quality assurance, and global competitiveness.
Ritzbury honoured with Sri Lanka’s highest National Quality Award for manufacturing excellence
Ritzbury, the flagship chocolate brand of CBL Foods International Ltd., has secured the prestigious Sri Lanka National Quality Award (SLNQA) 2023 in the Manufacturing – Large Scale category, marking its second win at the national level. The accolade highlights the company’s sustained focus on delivering high-quality products while maintaining strong governance and operational standards within the Sri Lanka manufacturing sector.
The award was presented at a formal ceremony organised by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process. Participating organisations were assessed against internationally recognised frameworks for performance excellence, ensuring that only those meeting the highest benchmarks receive national recognition.
Widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s highest recognition for organisational excellence, the Sri Lanka National Quality Award is modelled on globally respected systems such as the Malcolm Baldrige framework. The evaluation process examines multiple dimensions, including leadership effectiveness, strategic planning, customer focus, workforce engagement, process efficiency, and measurable business outcomes. This comprehensive assessment ensures that award recipients demonstrate not only product quality but also institutional resilience and long-term sustainability.
Commenting on the achievement, CBL Foods International Director and CEO Kamal Geeganage stated that the recognition goes beyond external validation. He emphasised that the award reflects years of investment in systems, governance structures, and a deeply embedded culture of quality across the organisation.
According to Geeganage, the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards is evident at every level, from leadership decision-making to day-to-day manufacturing processes. He noted that such recognition reinforces confidence among stakeholders, including customers, partners, and regulators, while positioning the company strongly within competitive markets.
Ritzbury’s achievement is further supported by its extensive portfolio of certifications aligned with international quality standards Sri Lanka frameworks. The company holds certification under SLS 1509:2015, a national standard that underscores compliance with local regulatory and quality benchmarks. In addition, Ritzbury has obtained globally recognised certifications including ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems, ISO 22000:2018 for food safety management, FSSC 22000 Version 6, and BRCGS certification.
These certifications collectively demonstrate the company’s disciplined adherence to stringent food safety and quality requirements, reinforcing its credibility in both domestic and international markets. They also highlight Ritzbury’s capability to operate within globally integrated supply chains, a critical factor for companies aiming to expand beyond local boundaries.
Industry analysts note that achievements of this nature play an important role in elevating the broader Sri Lanka manufacturing sector, particularly in the context of increasing global competition. As Sri Lanka continues to position itself as a hub for high-quality manufacturing, companies that consistently meet international benchmarks contribute significantly to enhancing the country’s industrial reputation.
Beyond compliance and certification, Ritzbury has also focused on embedding a culture of continuous improvement within its operations. This includes investments in process optimisation, workforce development, and innovation, all of which contribute to sustained operational excellence. The company’s ability to maintain such standards over time has been a key factor in securing repeated recognition at the national level.
The recognition also aligns with growing emphasis on sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices. By adhering to globally accepted quality and safety frameworks, companies like Ritzbury are better positioned to meet evolving consumer expectations, particularly in areas related to product safety, transparency, and environmental responsibility.
The achievement underscores the importance of structured quality management systems in driving long-term business performance. It also reflects a broader shift within Sri Lanka’s industrial landscape, where companies are increasingly aligning with international standards to remain competitive in export markets.
As Ritzbury builds on this recognition, the company is expected to continue strengthening its position as a leading player in the food manufacturing space, while contributing to the advancement of quality standards Sri Lanka initiatives. The award serves as both a validation of past efforts and a platform for future growth, reinforcing the importance of excellence as a core business principle.