The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) held its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 23 September at Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla, bringing together key industry stakeholders and member organisations to review achievements during the 2025/2026 term and discuss strategic priorities for the country’s food and beverage processing sector.
The keynote address was delivered by Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant Representative (Programme) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Addressing the AGM, Munasinghe called for an integrated approach to transforming food systems, emphasising the need to address food loss and waste across the entire value chain, from producers to consumers. The address highlighted the importance of strategic policy support, advanced technology and improved infrastructure in driving this transformation.
Among the key priorities identified was the need to move beyond conventional waste management practices and increasingly view waste as a resource. The address also highlighted the adoption of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and greater investment in cold chain logistics.
The FAO representative further emphasised the importance of data collection, farm-to-table food safety and comprehensive product traceability. These areas were identified as critical to meeting stringent international export standards while supporting long-term food security.
Reaffirming FAO’s strategic partnership with local ministries and industry stakeholders, Munasinghe called on food processors to strengthen collaboration, embrace innovation and maximise value creation in support of Sri Lanka’s agricultural economy.
SLFPA President Aruna Senanayake highlighted the Association’s key achievements during the 2025/2026 term, covering areas including policy advocacy, capacity building and industry expansion.
Project Chair of the Building Development Project and Immediate Past President Thusith Wijesinghe also briefed attendees on major strategic initiatives undertaken by the Association. A key development highlighted was the significant progress made on the ‘SLFPA Tower’ headquarters project.
The AGM also featured a special ceremony honouring all Past Presidents of the Association who have served from 1997 to the present. Each former president was presented with a commemorative memento in recognition of their leadership and contributions to the development of Sri Lanka’s food processing sector.
The new Executive Committee for the 2027/2028 term was also appointed at the AGM.
Image Disclaimer: Images used in this article are the property of their respective copyright holders and rightful owners. No ownership is claimed over the images.
