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Sri Lanka’s post-harvest losses in agriculture sector exceeding Rs. 55 billion –

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Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana

Minister of Plantation Industries

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

Sri Lanka’s post-harvest losses in the agriculture sector amount to more than Rs 55 billion, which issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible, Minister of Plantation Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said.

“Since the whole world is heading towards a major food crisis, including Sri Lanka, post- harvest loss is an issue the government has been considering in a big way and many proposals are underway to address this issue, Pathirana said at the opening day of ‘Pro Food, Pro Pack & Ag-biz 2022’, Sri Lanka’s only comprehensive food, agriculture and packaging exhibition, launched at the BMICH recently.

This year’s event was the 19th consecutive such exhibition. The exhibition which ran for three days ended on November 19.

The event was organized by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association together with Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS). The exhibition was supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Plantation Industries.

Pathirana added: “The government is now taking a special interest in the growth of the export and manufacturing sectors. But post-harvest loss is also a subject which has been emphasized together with damage of crops due to wild animals, which also amounts to Rs 55 billion.

“This event which has witnessed an evolutionary increase over the decades will be held under the theme “Farm to the Fork”, denoting the entire chain of the food industry, which includes and revolves around farms, to processing, packaging, transport and finally consumption.

“The exhibition could not be held for the past two years due to the global pandemic. But now, with the re-launching of events in Sri Lanka, this exhibition has proved a sell-out. The organizers had been planning on having a grand show.”

Chairman, Agri Business Council Mario de Alwis said the exhibition and consumer fair, held over three days, will attract a large audience from all walks of the country.

“The event is a platform to interact with prospective buyers and also helps to understand the new

technology that is being used for the sector. Moreover, the event will feature all facets of the food and beverage industry and will include intricate details and meticulous processes that are required to make food products available to the consumer, he said.

Observers added: ‘The event is renowned for providing a unique and comprehensive platform for the discovery and introduction of food processing, engineering and packaging services, among a host of other benefits for both visitors and the stall holders.

‘The first pavilion was from the largest global player in the region, India. Over 50 companies from India participated in this year’s event, promoted by The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). The second pavilion is by the Export Development Board (EDB).

‘The “National Packaging Pavilion ” at the exhibition gives SMEs and small-time businesses the tools and know- how on value-added packaging services.

‘The Ministry of Industries sponsored the SME and micro sector entities’ pavilion within the main

event. The organizing committee had taken a very good initiative by providing a special pavilion for university students to display their innovations as well.

‘A highlight at this year’s event was the Street Food Fiesta and Cooking Studio.

The event has been earmarked as ‘a must attend’ throughout the entirety of its existence.’



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Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

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A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

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Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

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Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

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Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

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Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”

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