PM Harini Amarasuriya: Using Local Organic Produce in Bakery Industry Will Boost Farmers and Tourism

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that using locally produced organic agricultural products in bakery items will significantly benefit local farmers and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector.

She made these remarks while addressing the annual convention of the All Island Bakery Owners’ Association held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo on June 12.

Key points from the Prime Minister’s speech:

• The bakery industry should not be limited to flour-based products but developed into a key driver of the national economy
• Priority should be given to producing healthier bakery items free from artificial flavorings and colorings
• Value-added products should be developed using rice flour, kurakkan, millet, pulses, and local tubers
• The global trend toward health-conscious diets should be utilized by Sri Lanka’s bakery sector
• Local organic produce should be used in food served to tourists, benefiting both farmers and the tourism industry

Government support measures:

• Reducing import dependency on raw materials
• Providing technical assistance
• Offering concessionary credit facilities
• Implementing training and market-linkage programs for small and medium-scale bakery owners

The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Industry Chathuranga Abeysinghe and representatives of the bakery industry.