Business

All Island Dairy Association raises growing concerns for Sri Lanka’s dairy industry while supply chains continue to dwindle

Published

4 years ago

2022/04/21

The prevailing forex crisis in Sri Lanka has severely impacted many industries in the country’s economy, including the dairy industry. As an industry with endless potential to help the economy, the dairy industry is one of the most important industries in the country. However, rising costs, scarcity of feed, vitamins, fuel and fertilizer, and the difficulty in importation of maize has greatly impacted the industry’s survival. The All Island Dairy Association (AIDA) calls for immediate action to prioritize the importation of raw materials to help sustain the future of the industry.

Binesh Pananwala, President of AIDA, commented on the crisis. “Proper micronutrients and vitamins from quality feed is an essential part in our industry as the animals play an integral role in the supply chain. It is imperative that feed such as maize and silage is readily available as it would greatly assist in sustaining the industry. However, the dependency on importing these commodities, and the restrictions placed on imports due to the forex crisis is crippling the industry.”

The lack of quality animal feed has largely disrupted the dairy industry’s supply chain. If the livestock does not receive essential micronutrients and vitamins from maize and silage, the physical wellbeing of the animal is affected, which thereby affects milk production. Veterinary professionals have continuously expressed their growing concern for the wellbeing of these animals due to the shortage of feed and medicines such as antibiotics and anaesthetics required for operations.

A.C.H Munaweera, Consultant and General Manager of AIDA, shared his thoughts. “The impact of the forex crisis is felt in multiple facets of our industry. The industry is already struggling to sustain itself and due to the lack of fuel, storage facilities, fertilizer, and feed, we are unable to meet the demand for fresh milk and powdered milk. Our production has reduced a great deal already and if not rectified, will spell disaster going forward.”

The Government of Sri Lanka has provided permits for the importation of maize on a case-by-case basis; however, fodder importers and dairy companies have struggled to sustain imports due to the forex shortage. The shortage of foreign exchange makes it difficult for banks to honour Letters of Credit (LCs) for importers to bring in the necessary raw materials needed to sustain the industry.

Nishantha Jayasooriya, immediate Past President of AIDA, also shared his thoughts on the crisis. “The entire industry has felt the tremendous impact of the forex crisis. The livestock farmers, producers, input suppliers and distributors alike have all been affected by rising costs and lack of resources. If conscious decisions and changes to fiscal and monitory policy are not made, the industry will suffer even further as it will be unable to meet the demand for both fresh milk and milk powder.”

The local production of milk is drastically falling due to the lack of quality feed, and the supply of imported milk is reducing due to the rising prices. Currently, locally manufactured feed is used to maintain the livestock, however, due to the lack of fertilizers and various other concerns, the supply of feed is diminishing. As a result of this, the dairy industry will struggle further to meet the demand for both powdered and fresh milk going forward. If the feed does not meet the required nutritional standard, the consequences would be severe as it would affect the health of approximately 900,000 animals.

Gamini Rajapaksha, Treasurer of AIDA, also commented. “Processing and value addition are integral and vital parts of the dairy industry. Dearth of foreign exchange and consequential scarcity of fuel, electricity etc. have adversely affected the processors. Some of the leading dairies are unable to operate their plants due to the lack of power, which forces them to reject the milk from the farmers. This has directly affected the livelihood of rural dairy farmer. Chilling tanks at milk collection centres cannot be operated, causing large volumes of milk to be discarded. Another aspect is the importation of equipment and spare parts for the dairy processing plants. Many dairy plants will be compelled to stop production altogether unless they are able to import spare parts within the next few weeks. If urgent steps are not taken to remedy the situation, the entire dairy industry will come to a halt.”

Asoka Bandara, Vice President of AIDA, also shared his thoughts. “In order for Sri Lanka’s dairy industry to develop and be self-sufficient once again, we need to establish protocols that ensure the availability of raw materials such as fertilizer, fuel, and feed for the animals. However, we are a long way from being able to do that. The result of a complete destabilization of the industry would not only mean a diminished supply of milk but mass unemployment as well. So, it is imperative to have integrated strategies to revitalize our dairy industry. The AIDA, after extensive deliberations and inputs from key industry stakeholders, is now ready to engage the Government on a cohesive and sustainable Dairy Development Plan for Sri Lanka.

The dairy industry is in dire need of revival, as its deterioration will have a great impact on a plethora of industries and consumers alike. It is imperative that those measures are put in place to prioritize imports of raw materials for feed, which would lead to high levels of production and sustainability.

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Business

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector records 5.42% growth for January-November 2025: November slight dip

Published

15 hours ago

2026/01/3

Thilina Walpola

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry delivered a robust performance during the first eleven months of 2025, with cumulative exports reaching US$4,571.99 million marking a 5.42% increase over the same period last year, according to data released today by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).

Sri Lanka’s total apparel exports for November 2025 reached US$367.60 million, representing a slight decrease of 1.96% compared to US$374.94 million in November 2024.

The monthly performance showed mixed results across key markets: United States: US$152.32 million (up 5.79% from US$143.98 million), European Union (excluding UK): US$119.61 million (up 3.35% from US$115.73 million), United Kingdom: US$43.63 million (down 13.83% from US$50.63 million), Other Markets: US$52.04 million (down 19.44% from US$64.60 million)

Strong cumulative performance: January-November 2025

Despite the November softness, cumulative apparel exports for the eleven-month period from January to November 2025 demonstrate solid growth, reaching US$4,571.99 million—a 5.42% increase over the corresponding period in 2024 (US$4,336.84 million).

Year-to-Date Performance by Market:

European Union (excluding UK): US$1,435.39 million (up 13.07%)

Other Markets: US$742.98 million (up 5.75%)

United States: US$1,769.08 million (up 1.73%)

United Kingdom: US$624.54 million (down 0.22%)

Commenting on the export data, JAAF stated “The 5.42% growth in our cumulative exports for the first eleven months of 2025 reflects the resilience and adaptability of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector in navigating a challenging global environment. While we experienced a modest 1.96% decline in November, this should be viewed within the broader context of our strong year-to-date performance.

“Particularly encouraging is our 13.07% growth in the European Union market, which demonstrates the success of our strategic focus on strengthening relationships with EU buyers and meeting their increasingly stringent sustainability and compliance requirements. Similarly, our continued growth in the US market, despite tighter margins, shows that Sri Lankan manufacturers remain competitive on quality, delivery, and ethical manufacturing standards”.

Business

Sri Lanka highlighted as a popular tourism hotspot among South Korean travelers

Published

15 hours ago

2026/01/3

Thilina Walpola

Sri Lanka Tourism, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Korea, is providing support for the two VVIP South Korean Buddhist delegations visiting the country, demonstrating solidarity and strengthening cultural and religious ties with Sri Lanka.

The first delegation included Anunayake thero of Jogye order , South Korean chief Buddhist monks and devotees arrived in Sri Lanka consisting of 120 , on 01st December 2025, with the intention of undertaking a pilgrimage tour and highlighting Sri Lanka’s importance as a major Buddhist attraction for Buddhists around the world.

As same as the first delegation, the second VVIP Buddhist delegation which arrived on the 10th of December, 2025, was also given warm and a colorful welcome at the Bandaranaike International Airport, complete with a Cultural Dance troupe and a group of Sri Lankan children to greet them upon their arrival, making them feel at home and happy to see such a sensational sight. Ms . Thanuja Muniweera , Deputy Director and also the officer in charge of the Korean Market , was there to welcome the much revered guests . The delegation consisted of 150 visitors including both priests and devotees.

Led by Ven . Hyeil, , Chief priest of Haeinsa Temple , the main purpose of this visit is to show Sri Lanka as a welcoming and culturally vibrant destination. This will be a great opportunity to show the importance of the Korean Market as an emerging market and also promote Buddhist and Pilgrimage Tourism. South Koreans are known to be travelling in large numbers, including December 2025. The South Korean Buddhist delegation is one such example.

Business

Sunshine Holdings joins S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index

Published

15 hours ago

2026/01/3

Thilina Walpola

Shyam Sathasivam

Diversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings PLC (CSE: SUN) has been included in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index, following the 2025 year-end index rebalance announced by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and S&P Dow Jones Indices. The inclusion takes effect from 22 December 2025, after market closing on 19 December 2025.

The S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index represents the 20 largest and most liquid companies listed on the CSE, selected based on stringent criteria including market capitalisation, liquidity, financial viability and sustained profitability. Constituents are weighted by float-adjusted market capitalisation, with a single-stock caps to ensure balanced representation.

Commenting on the milestone, Sunshine Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer, Shyam Sathasivam, said, “Our inclusion in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 is the result of more than five decades of collective effort and perseverance by our people, past and present, who have built Sunshine Holdings into the institution it is today. This recognition reflects the strength of our foundations, the discipline with which we have grown, and the consistency of our performance across business cycles. As we move forward, we remain focused on building resilient businesses, upholding strong governance standards and delivering sustainable long-term value to all stakeholders.”

The S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index is constructed in line with global index methodologies and international best practices, with all constituents classified under the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®). Eligibility requires a minimum float-adjusted market capitalisation of Rs. 500 million, a six-month median daily value traded of Rs. 250,000, and positive net income over the twelve months preceding the rebalancing reference date.

Sunshine Holdings’ inclusion in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 reflects the Group’s long-term capital markets journey, evolving from a closely held family enterprise into a widely held blue-chip listed company. Over the years, the Group has focused on building institutional credibility, strengthening governance standards and expanding its shareholder base, resulting in a current market capitalisation of approximately LKR 70 billion, underscoring its scale and relevance within the Colombo Stock Exchange.