The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully held its 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 24, 2025, at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo, with the participation of its members and industry stakeholders.
Established in 1997 as an advocacy group, SLFPA today represents over 162 member companies, ranging from large multinationals to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), all dedicated to advancing Sri Lanka’s food and beverage processing industry.
The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Camelia Andria Bucatariu, Project Manager of the Circular Economy in the Food Sector (CIRCULAR) Project, Sri Lanka (2024–2027), representing the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
In her presentation, Ms. Bucatariu emphasized the urgent need to address food loss, food waste, and plastic packaging waste in Sri Lanka, highlighting that urban food waste alone accounts for nearly 56.6% of municipal solid waste, or about 3,963 tons per day (FAO/IWMI, 2023). She pointed out the interlinkages between food waste and plastic waste across the supply chain and stressed the importance of scaling alternatives to single-use plastics, particularly in food packaging.
She further underlined that applying circular economy practices across the agri-food value chain can reduce losses, improve resource efficiency, and create new opportunities for SMEs. Her key message was that integrating food waste and plastic waste strategies under a circular economy framework—through strong multi-stakeholder collaboration—can accelerate progress on climate action, food security, and sustainable economic growth in Sri Lanka.
Outgoing President Mr. Thusith Wijesinghe reflected on the association’s journey, recognizing the contributions of the 14 past presidents who have shaped SLFPA’s growth. He also emphasized the success of the Pro Food/Pro Pack 2025 Exhibition and the Annual Cricket Carnival. In a key announcement, he revealed SLFPA’s plans to begin construction of a dedicated Secretariat and facility at Gothami Road, Borella—marking a significant milestone in the association’s long-term strategy.
At the AGM, the new Executive Committee for 2026/2027 was appointed, comprising Mr. Aruna Senanayake of C W Mackie PLC as President, Mr. Deepal De Alwis of Neochem International (Pvt) Ltd. as Secretary, and Mr. Sanjeewa De Silva of Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. as Treasurer. The committee also includes Mr. Thusith Wijesinghe of Trans Continental Packaging Commodities (Pvt) Ltd. as Immediate Past President, Mr. Nadishan Guruge of Mead Lee Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd. as President Elect, Mr. Vasantha Chandrapala of Visvaka Marketing (Pvt) Ltd. as 1st Vice President, Mr. Damitha Perera of Forbes & Walker Commodity Brokers (Pvt) Ltd. as 2nd Vice President, and Mr. Rasika Seneviratne of Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC as 3rd Vice President. Supporting roles are held by Mr. Dineth Alahakoon of Country Style Food (Pvt) Ltd. as Assistant Secretary and Mr. Sameera Jayathilaka of Westmann Engineering (Pvt) Ltd. as Assistant Treasurer.
In addition to the above office bearers, the following ten Executive Committee members were appointed: Mr. Nirosh Lalantha of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, Mr. Niroshan Dalpethado of C D De Fonseka & Sons, Mr. Sheran De Alwis of MA’s Tropical Food Processing (Pvt) Ltd., Mr. Sanjeewa Niroshan of SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Mr. Amila Weerasinghe of Nestlé Lanka Ltd., Mr. Thusitha Ekanayake of Anods Cocoa (Pvt) Ltd., Ms. Praharshi Wickramasekara of International Commodity Traders (Pvt) Ltd., Mr. Vijitha Govinna of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd., Mr. Rangajeewa Hettiarachchi of Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., and Mr. Kushan Amarasinghe of Finagle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd,Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. and Hayleys Aventura (Pvt) Ltd partnered as Gold Sponsors of the AGM, while Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (LECS) supported the event as the Bronze Sponsor.
The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Secretary, Mr. Hemantha Balasuriya, followed by cocktails and a fellowship networking session, providing an opportunity for members to connect and strengthen industry ties.
