Astra partners with Samurdhi to create 14,000 home baking businesses by 2023

by Sanath Nanayakkare

Astra, one of the iconic food brands in the country recently launched the Astra Diriya Wanitha programme in collaboration with the Samurdhi programme to empower women; especially mothers in all 14, 022 Grama Niladhari Divisions across the country to inspire, guide and support them to set up their own home-baking business.

The initiative aimed at creating at least one home baking business in every Grama Niladhari Division was announced at a launch event at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo where Jagath Kumara – MP, General Secretary of the Association of Samurdhi Officers and Agricultural Research Officers took part as a special guest.

In partnership with the Samurdhi Programme, Astra will identify women across the 25 districts of the country and provide them with the training, knowledge, and equipment needed to start their baking businesses. The goal being to improve their livelihoods and support them to become self-sufficient.  

Speaking at the launch, Anuruddha Aluvihare, Customer Development Director Upfield said: “Upfield has committed to making a nutritious breakfast an everyday reality for 100 million children by 2025. The Astra Diriya Wanitha Campaign in Sri Lanka is part of that commitment.” 

Marketing Manager for Upfield Sri Lanka, Shehani Liyanage said, “Through this initiative, we hope to combine the decades long connection of Astra helping mothers in Sri Lanka find financial stability and support for their kids and family during these trying times. Our collaboration with the Samurdhi Programme allows us to identify women who need support and have the passion to initiate and continue successful home baking businesses.”