Minister wants BCC Lanka operations recommenced

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

COLOMBO: Plantation Industries Minister D.M. Jayaratna instructed Ministry Secretary J. Abewickrama to work out a plan to re-commence operations of BCC Lanka with some popular consumer items to regain the future market.

He said this at a meeting at the ministry on Monday to review the progress of institutions under the Plantation Industries Ministry.

Jayaratne directed the Chairmen of the Coconut Development Authority and Coconut Cultivation Board to manufacture five items immediately which are easily marketable.

Insisting the necessasity of making BCC Lanka a profitable venture he said Sri Lanka should be able to meet the demand for coconut oil in the international market.

He pointed out that the longstanding goodwill of BCC Lanka could be used for this. A six-year plan was proposed to make the institution profitable.