President Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking at the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionary Manufacturers Association (LCMA) at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential in the confectionery industry. He urged local confectioners to explore international markets, emphasizing the success of Sri Lankan teas and cinnamon globally and encouraging similar efforts for chocolates.

Acknowledging the industry’s history and resilience, the President praised pioneers and urged the sector to aim for global recognition. He emphasized the need to explore export markets due to limitations in local expansion, citing the success of the Kandos factory in Malaysia as an example.

Addressing economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe stressed sustainable solutions, advocating for export-oriented strategies to overcome financial hurdles. He encouraged intercropping with cocoa and discussed plans for collaboration with cocoa-producing countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast.

The President outlined broader initiatives, including leasing state-owned plantations for food industry development and modernizing agriculture. He pledged government support for research and development, positioning the confectionery industry as a catalyst for economic growth.

Acknowledging the industry’s contributions to the economy, President Wickremesinghe presented awards to esteemed individuals, including pioneering founders. The Chairman of LCMA expressed gratitude for the President’s economic recovery efforts and emphasized the industry’s alignment with national goals.

Minister of Industrial and Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, and other officials attended the event, demonstrating government support for the confectionery sector’s advancement.