Business
Local milk production drastically falling due to lack of imported cattle feed
Lack of veterinary medicine for cows, spare parts for chilling centres aggravate situation
by Sanath Nanayakkare
The All Island Dairy Association (AIDA) yesterday urged the government to take immediate action to prioritise the importation of quality cattle feed in the backdrop of dwindling milk production in the country.
They point out that proper micro-nutrients and vitamins from quality imported feed is an essential part in their industry as livestock constitutes a key element in the supply chain.
They say that it is imperative that feed such as maize silage is readily available as it would greatly assist in sustaining the industry because feeding cattle with maize silage as a major diet and protein source has a positive impact on the milk yield, milk composition, body weight change and quality of cow milk by-products.
AIDA says that the restrictions placed on imports due to the foreign currency crisis is crippling their industry due to these reasons.
Binesh Pananwala, President of AIDA said,” As an industry with endless potential to help the economy, the dairy industry is one of the most important industries in the country. However, rising costs, scarcity of feed, vitamins, fuel and fertiliser requirements of different fodder crops and the difficulty in importation of maize have greatly put the industry’s survival at risk.”
“Lack of quality animal feed has largely disrupted the dairy industry’s supply chain. If the livestock does not receive essential micronutrients and vitamins from maize silage, the physical wellbeing of cows get affected, which thereby affects milk production. Veterinary professionals have also continuously expressed their concern about the shortage of medicines such as antibiotics and anaesthetics required for operations,” he said.
A.C.H Munaweera, Consultant and General Manager of AIDA said, “The impact of the foreign exchange crisis is felt in multiple aspects of our industry. The industry is already struggling to sustain itself and we are unable to meet the demand for fresh milk and powdered milk. Milk production has reduced by a great deal already and if not rectified, it will spell disaster for the industry in the near future,” he said.
“The government of Sri Lanka has provided permits for the importation of maize on a case-by-case basis. But fodder importers and dairy companies have been struggling to import these inputs due to lack of foreign exchange and banks find it difficult to honour Letters of Credit (LCs) for importers to send in the raw materials we need,” they said.
Nishantha Jayasooriya, immediate past president of AIDA said, “The entire industry has felt the tremendous impact of the crisis. The livestock farmers, producers, input suppliers and distributors have all been affected by rising costs and lack of resources. If conscious decisions and changes to fiscal and monitory policy are not made, the industry will suffer even further as it will be unable to meet the demand for both fresh milk and milk powder.”
Gamini Rajapaksha, Treasurer of AIDA said, “Processing and value additions are integral and vital parts of the dairy industry. Dearth of foreign exchange and consequential scarcity of fuel, electricity etc. have adversely affected the processors. Some of the leading dairies are unable to operate their plants due to lack of power, which forces them to refuse supplies of milk from the farmers. This has directly affected the livelihood of rural dairy farmer. Chilling tanks at milk collection centres cannot be operated, causing large volumes of milk to be discarded. Another aspect is the importation of equipment and spare parts for the dairy processing plants. Many dairy plants will be compelled to stop production altogether unless they are able to import spare parts within the next few weeks. If urgent steps are not taken to remedy the situation, the entire dairy industry will come to a halt.”
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
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