Financial Times

New indigenous milk production facility from Master Divers
Masters Divers, in keeping with the company's vision of contributing to nation building and developing the local industry, plans to set up an indigenous milk powder manufacturing unit in Pelwatte. The foundation stone for the factory was laid recently by the Minister of Industries, Kumara Welgama, at the proposed site.

Ariyaseela Wickramanayake, Chairman, Master Divers, Marine & Underwater Services, said this effort by the company to promote the local agrarian economy will boost income for farmers in the area as well as go a long way in making Sri Lanka self sufficient in milk production.

He said since some 84% of the country's milk requirement is currently imported, there is an urgent need to develop the capacity for greater self-sufficiency in milk production.

"About Rs 12,500 million is spent annually on the import of milk powder alone. If we can supply that requirement locally, then this will ease unemployment and reduce the loss of foreign exchange," he noted.

Master Divers is a shipowning and ship salvage company that has proved very successful in the marine industry. Driven by his personal desire to contribute towards capacity building, he set up the Pelwatte Sugar factory a few years ago which is thriving as an indigenous sugar production unit, according to a statement issued by the company on the new milk processing facility.
Mr Wickramanayake has invested Rs. 780 million in the proposed milk powder production unit. Foreign consultants have been hired for operational training of local staff but within six months of starting production, the local staff is expected to handle the unit independently.

The construction of the manufacturing unit is due to be completed by the end of the year. The state of the art unit will also be involved in developing cattle feed in conjunction with veterinary surgeons and will enlist the support of about 25,000 farmers who will be trained and financially incentivised to rear their cattle to generate the required quantity of milk.

This endeavour will automatically boost the income levels of the farmers and promote a stronger agricultural economy in the Monaragala district.
"Wickramanayake hopes this effort will inspire other entrepreneurs in the country to come forward and strive to create capacity building in their respective spheres of operation, while at the same time promoting nation building in a true sense.

His vision is to see the country self-sufficient in producing staple food requirements, considering the rich natural resources the country is blessed with," the statement said.

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