The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association reviewed industry achievements and future priorities at its 29th Annual General Meeting, bringing together food and beverage sector stakeholders to discuss competitiveness, sustainability, food safety and export growth.
Sri Lanka Food Processors Association sets priorities for food industry growth and exports
The AGM was held on 23 September 2026 at the Water’s Edge Hotel in Battaramulla, marking an important point in the association’s work to strengthen Sri Lanka’s food processing sector. The event reviewed activities during the 2025/2026 term while setting out priorities for the industry’s next phase of development.
Founded in 1997 as an industry advocacy organisation, the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association has expanded its membership to more than 185 companies. Its membership represents a broad cross-section of the sector, ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises to major multinational companies, with a focus on industrial development, quality standards and export capabilities.
The keynote address was delivered by Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant Representative (Programme) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. His address focused on the need for a coordinated approach to transforming food systems and strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the industry.
A major issue highlighted was food loss and waste, with the FAO calling for action across the entire value chain, from production through to consumption. The discussion emphasised the importance of policy support, technology, infrastructure and collaboration between industry stakeholders in reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.
The FAO also highlighted the need to move beyond traditional waste management towards treating waste as a potential resource. Sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, improved cold-chain logistics and stronger data collection were identified as important areas for investment.
Food safety and traceability were also highlighted as priorities for the Food Processing Industry. Effective farm-to-table food safety systems and comprehensive product traceability can help processors meet increasingly demanding international standards while supporting consumer confidence and long-term food security.
The FAO representative further reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between government ministries, industry stakeholders and development partners. Food processors were encouraged to strengthen cooperation, adopt innovation and maximise value creation within Sri Lanka’s agricultural economy.
SLFPA President Aruna Senanayake outlined the association’s key achievements during the 2025/2026 term, covering policy advocacy, workforce development and industry expansion. During the year, the association presented an industry development strategy to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a meeting organised by the Export Development Board, focusing on improving sector competitiveness and export performance.
Another significant initiative was a nationwide Food Handler Training programme conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health and FAO. The programme targeted approximately 1,000 workers and aimed to strengthen knowledge and practices relating to food handling and safety.
The ProFood ProPack & AgBiz 2026 exhibition was also highlighted as a major industry achievement. The event recorded nearly 26,000 visitors and featured 427 stalls, providing a platform for businesses, suppliers and other stakeholders across the food, packaging and agricultural sectors.
The association also continued initiatives aimed at strengthening member engagement and professional development, including the annual SLFPA Cricket Tournament and the SLFPA Knowledge Circle. A sector-focused career facilitation platform was launched to connect skilled professionals, job seekers and interns with employment opportunities emerging within Sri Lanka’s expanding food processing sector.
Strategic infrastructure development was another area discussed at the AGM. Thusith Wijesinghe, Project Chair of the Building Development Project and Immediate Past President, briefed members on progress relating to the proposed “SLFPA Tower” headquarters project.
The meeting also recognised the contribution of former association leaders. A special ceremony was held to honour all Past Presidents who have served the association since its establishment in 1997, with each receiving a commemorative memento in recognition of their leadership and contribution to the country’s food processing ecosystem.
A new Executive Committee was appointed for the 2027/2028 term. Aruna Senanayake was appointed Honorary President, while Thusith Wijesinghe will serve as Immediate Past President. Nadishan Guruge was appointed President Elect, supported by Vice Presidents Damitha Perera, Rasika Seneviratne and Deepal De Alwis.
The new committee also includes Amila Weerasinghe as Honorary Secretary, Dineth Alahakoon as Assistant Secretary, Sameera Jayathilaka as Honorary Treasurer and Niroshan Dalpethado as Assistant Treasurer. Ten additional executive committee members representing companies including Unilever Sri Lanka, MA’S Tropical Food Processing, Anods Cocoa, Plenty Foods, International Commodity Exports, SGS Lanka, Finagle Lanka, Fonterra Brands Lanka, Vision Technologies International and Ceylon Cold Stores were also appointed.
The AGM concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Honorary Secretary Deepal De Alwis, followed by a fellowship and networking session. The event provided members with an opportunity to strengthen business relationships while reflecting on the sector’s progress and the priorities ahead.
For the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association, the AGM highlighted an industry increasingly focused on value addition, food safety, sustainable production, technology and export competitiveness. With continued collaboration between processors, government institutions and international development partners, the association is positioning these areas as key components of Sri Lanka’s future food industry growth.