Business
Nestlé Lanka announces investment in factory expansion worth over Rs. 2 billion
Expanded capacity enables the company to explore new markets beyond 50 countries it is currently serving
Nestlé Lanka has invested over Rs. 6.6 billion in Sri Lanka over the past five years
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Nestlé Lanka yesterday reaffirmed its commitment towards Sri Lanka by investing over Rs. 2 billion in its state-of-the-art factory in Kurunegala by building a new Vacuum Band Dryer (VBD).
Aimed at expanding the capacity of its manufacturing facility for malted food, this investment would further strengthen the company’s efforts of positively impacting Sri Lanka and its people.
The new VBD will increase the production capacity of two of its biggest brands – Nestlé Nestomalt and Milo, allowing the Company to explore the opportunity of expanding its exports to several new markets, beyond the 50 countries it is currently serving.
Nestlé Lanka’s Kurunegala factory manufactures over 90% of Nestlé products sold in the country, employing strict quality controls. Aged 115 years, the ‘Good food, Good life’ company has become an integral part of Sri Lankan lives and contributes to the livelihoods of more than 25,000 Sri Lankan dairy and coconut farmers and out-growers and provides direct employment to over 800. Over the past five years, the company has consistently invested in the country, amounting to over Rs. 6.6 billion.
First of its kind in the local Food & Beverage industry, the Swiss-designed Vacuum Band Dryer adopts the latest technology and helps the company deliver more of its much-loved brands – Nestlé Nestomalt and Nestlé Milo enriched with Iron and Vitamin D.
An event was held at Nestlé Lanka’s Kurunegala factory yesterday to mark the inauguration of this project, by laying the foundation stone of the building which would house the new VBD.
The event was attended by Minister of Industries and Plantations, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana; Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Dominik Furgler; Member of Parliament, Anura Priyadarshanayapa and Director General of the Board of Investments, Renuka Weerakone along with officials from Nestlé Lanka.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest, Minister of Industries and Plantations, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said, “Economic prosperity is driven by investment which not only improves capacity, but also enhances people’s quality of life. Therefore, I consider it an honour to be present at this event today, as one of Sri Lanka’s leading companies announces an investment worth over Rs. 2 billion. I am also glad to note that this investment would ultimately increase the company’s export potential, as foreign exchange is imperative for economic growth at present.”
Member of Parliament, Anura Priyadarshanayapa said “As a company with deep roots in the country for 115 long years, Nestlé Lanka has consistently invested in Sri Lanka with purpose. The trust the company has placed in the country’s potential is truly inspirational. I look forward to witnessing the positive ripple effect this investment will bring forth to our communities and the economy, in the years to come.”
“We are currently facing several economic volatilities, both short and long term, and the role played by capital investments is vital in supporting economic recovery and growth. Therefore, we appreciate Nestlé Lanka’s efforts in strengthening its investments in Sri Lanka, as it echoes a positive message about the potential of the country, encouraging further investments” said Renuka Weerakone, Director General, Board of Investments Sri Lanka.
Jason Avanceña, Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka said, “Although this is a challenging time for all of us in Sri Lanka, we believe in the country’s resilience, potential and its future wholeheartedly. We reaffirm our commitment to Sri Lanka, and we will continue to invest in our facilities and bring top Swiss-designed technology to cater to the different needs of our consumers in Sri Lanka. On behalf of Nestlé Lanka, it is a great pride for me to announce this investment and expansion of our malted food category. This investment is testament to our unwavering commitment towards the country and cements our deep roots with Sri Lankans for over 115 years. We hope to positively contribute to our consumers and communities through this investment, by increasing the production capacity of two of our biggest brands – Nestlé Nestomalt and Milo. We are also happy to share with you that this investment would also allow us to explore the opportunity of expanding our exports to several new markets, beyond the 50 countries we are currently serving, helping us contribute to the generation of foreign currency inflow.”
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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