Innovative whey protein-based natural juice from Sri Lankan manufacturer
The launch of a product from whey protein at the National Science Foundation (NSF) last week was identified as reaching a milestone in the history of the NSF, according to Prof. Ranjith Senaratne, Chairman, NSF.
A pioneer farmhouse cheese producer in Sri Lanka and now one of the largest cheese makers in the country, Sunil Rodrigo, Managing Director, Jay Food Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, is the person instrumental in turning out this unique product that has the potential of reaching the world market.
Sunil Rodrigo, Managing Director, Jay Food Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, handing over a package containing whey protein bottles to Prof. Ranjith Senaratne, Chairman NSF.
Whey protein is the watery part of milk that is separated from the coagulable part or curd especially in the process of making cheese and it is rich in lactose, minerals, and vitamins and contains lactalbumin and traces of fat, according to Mr. Rodrigo.
Prof. Senaratne, while receiving a package of natural fruit flavoured ‘Whey Protein’ bottles from Mr. Rodrigo at the launch of the product at the auditorium of NSF, said that the manufacture of this product is a classic example of how indigenous raw material could be utilized in turning out new products that could easily reach the export market.
“This is the turning point, I am sure it is a point of progress in the dairy industry in Sri Lanka. I see that there are also other innovative products being developed. This is 100 per cent natural and there is a huge market overseas. The green economy is growing and on the part of the NSF it has reached a milestone. We are very happy and this is an occasion for celebrations,” he said.
Dr. (Ms.) Thamara Dias, Additional Director General, NSF said she and her team have been working for the last four years on the project alongside Mr. Rodrigo. They have considered the need for such an energy beverage for the large number of young athletes, where such whey protein drinks had to be imported and are sold at very high prices.
She said that this new product is especially for school athletes who can now buy whey protein at an affordable price, while pointing out that this beverage is suited for all ages.
Ms. Nadeeja Wickramarachchi, Senior Scientific Officer, NSF who has coordinated the project with the NSF team, said that the factors behind this were – opportunity identification from both parties and mutual understanding.
She said that it was a memorable day for NSF as this is the first time a product has been launched at the NSF. The NSF grants funds under the Technology Grant Scheme for many products throughout earlier, and while those products are now being marketed none of them was launched at the NSF.