Seminar on spices and essential oil Industry

A Training Seminar on "Recapturing the Glory of the Spice and Essential Oil Industry through Science and Technology" organized by College of Chemical Sciences is scheduled to be held at Hotel Trans Asia, Colombo on Wednesday April 27, 2005 from 8.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

The proposed seminar is ideally suited for Industrialists, Agriculturists, Research Scientists, University academics, Postgraduate students and Technical staff engaged in spices and essential oil industry. It is another one in a series of continuous education programmes for professional development.

Professor J.N.O. Fernando, Dean, College of Chemical Sciences, in a news release states that this seminar of national importance will be conducted by an eminent panel of experts in the field. The resource persons identified are Dr. R.O.B. Wijesekara (Consultant-Link Natural Products). Mr. Sarada De Silva, (Former Chairman Spice Council). Mr Ranjith Ganemulla (Director Operations- Paints and Generals Industries), Professor Tuley De Silva (Visiting Professor, University of Sri Jayawardenapura), Dr. (Mrs.) Krishanthi Abeywickrama, (University of Kelaniya), Mr. K.R. Dayananda. (Senior Research Officer Industrial Technology Institute).

The objectives of the seminar are to educate about the novel process technology methods available, quality control methods, and current developments in value added products, current development in agriculture products, role of the Spice Council in promoting the industry in Sri Lanka and to provide opportunities for collaborative activities among stakeholders.

In this context the following topics will be covered; Methods of utilization of spices and essential oils and constraints, Novel technologies in spice and essential oil industry, Role of Spice Council in developing market strategies for spices and related products, Value added products from spices and essential oils, Developing Agricultural Products from spice and essential oils, Quality assessment and analysis of essential oils and a panel discussion.