The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) held its 27th Annual General Meeting on 4th October 2024 at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, Colombo, amidst a gathering of its members. Founded in 1997 as an advocacy group, SLFPA currently consists of over 140 member companies, including large multinationals as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) committed to the development of the country’s processed food and beverage industry.
The event featured a keynote speech by Mr. Sheran Fernando, Chief of Economic Policy Advocacy at The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. In his speech, he focused on “Sri Lanka’s Economic Outlook, IMF & Debt Restructuring, and the Role of Sri Lanka’s Food Processors Association.”
SLFPA President, Mr. Thusith Wijesinghe, also delivered a speech in which he acknowledged all past presidents and admired their contributions in bringing the association to its current level.
The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association comprises twenty members. At the event, a new committee was appointed for the years 2025/2026, which includes:
- President: Mr. Thusith Wijesinghe (Transcontinental Packaging & Commodities (Pvt) Limited)
- Hon. Secretary: Mr. Hemantha Balasuriya (Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka)
- Treasurer: Mr. Sanjeewa De Silva (Unilever Sri Lanka Limited)
- Immediate Past President: Mr. Delano Dias (former CEO, Cargills Quality Foods)
- President Elect: Mr. Aruna Senanayake (C W Mackie PLC)
- 1st Vice President: Mr. Nadishan Guruge (Mead Lee Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd)
- 2nd Vice President: Mr. Vasantha Chandrapala (Vishvaka Marketing (Pvt) Ltd)
- 3rd Vice President: Mr. Rasika Senavirathna (Diesel & Motor Engineering (Pvt) Limited)
- Assistant Secretary: Mr. Deepal De Alwis (Neochem International (Pvt) Ltd)
- Assistant Treasurer: Mr. Dineth Alahakoon (Country Style Food (Pvt) Ltd)
In addition to the above office bearers, the association includes ten executive members:
- Mr. Nirosh Lalantha (Ceylon Cold Stores)
- Mr. Sheran De Alwis (Ma’s Tropical Food Processing (Pvt) Ltd)
- Mr. Damitha Perera (Forbes & Walker Commodity Brokers (Pvt) Ltd)
- Mr. Sameera Jayathilaka (Westmann Engineering (Pvt) Ltd)
- Mr. Kolitha Amarasinghe (SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd)
- Mr. Niroshan Dalpethado (C D De Fonseka & Sons (Pvt) Ltd)
- Mr. Amila Weerasinghe (Nestle Lanka Limited)
- Mr. Thusitha Ekanayake (Anods Cocoa (Pvt) Ltd)
- Ms. Praharshi Wickramasekara (International Commodity Traders (Pvt) Ltd)
- Mr. Ruwan Kumara (Fonterra Brands Lanka Limited)
Unilever Sri Lanka Limited and Bureau Veritas were the main sponsors for the event. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. Hemantha Balasuriya, delivered the vote of thanks, and the event concluded with a cocktail party and fellowship networking session.