• Urges local stakeholders to expand horizons
• Emphasises significance of positioning Sri Lankan chocolates as world-class products
• Stakeholders told to explore intercropping with cocoa
• Pledges government support, including Rs. 8 billion for R&D, to foster a thriving confectionery industry

President Ranil Wickremesinghe this week expressed unwavering confidence in Sri Lanka’s potential to play a pivotal role in the global confectionery industry. Emphasising the need for local stakeholders to broaden their horizons, he urged concerted efforts to position Sri Lankan chocolates as world-class products, akin to the distinguished reputation of the country’s tea and cinnamon.
Speaking at the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionary Manufacturers Association (LCMA), President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the global success of Sri Lankan teas and cinnamon and questioned:”How long before I can take chocolates and go (for official state visits)?”
Addressing financial challenges, Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of export-oriented strategies, advocating for increased exports, especially in the confectionery sector, particularly chocolates, which he believes holds significant potential for international recognition.

He urged stakeholders to explore intercropping with cocoa, particularly in identified areas such as Matale, Kandy, Mawathagama, and Dodangaslanda, and encouraged collaboration with smallholders. Discussions with the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast were proposed to secure access to cocoa.
Outlining broader initiatives, Wickremesinghe proposed leasing state-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies or those with foreign shareholders for the development of the food industry, including confectionery.
He went on to pledge government support, including Rs. 8 billion for research and development, while underscoring the need for collaboration, innovation, and expansion within the food industry, positioning it as a “low hanging fruit” for economic growth.
Meanwhile, acknowledging the substantial contributions of pioneering founders and manufacturers in the confectionery industry to the development of the Sri Lankan economy, President Wickremesinghe presented awards to esteemed individuals. 

Recipients of these awards included Hinni Appuhamy, Founder of Maliban Group; Arthur Von. Possner, Founder of Ceylon Cold Stores (Elephant House);  Junius Motha, Founder of Motha; Deshamanya Mineka Wickremesinghe, Founder of Munchee; P.J.C Perera, Founder of Uswatte Group; Sinnasamy Muttiah, Founder of Luckyland; Upali Wijewardhena, Founder of Kandos; and Vidanage John Appuhami, Founder of Cherish.