MILCO invests Rs. 1.24 b to purchase milk
Tamara Nissanka
Capital invested on livestock development projects has increased from
Rs. 36 million to Rs. 89 million, said MILCO, Chairman K. B. Hallarawe.
Speaking at the ceremony to receive the HACCP/ISO 22000 certificate,
the most esteemed award for Food
|
SLSI Chairman: Dr. A. R. L. Wijesekerera, presenting the
certificate to MILCO Chairman, K. B. Hallarawe. Picture by
Saliya Rupasinghe |
Safety Management at Holiday Inn yesterday he said that Rs. 707
million was invested on purchasing milk from livestock farmers in 2003.
"This year the amount has increased to Rs. 1.24 billion.
MILCO plans to achieve a millennium development goal of catering to
50 per cent of Sri Lanka's dairy requirements by 2015." The company owns
72 freezer stores and 70 milk collection centers.
This certification will contribute further enhance customer
satisfaction and international recognition.
ISO 22000 is compatible with other food management systems that
guarantee prevention of food-borne diseases. The company has already
obtained ISO 9000 and 9001 quality certifications.
Permanent Secretary Ministry of livestock Development Sunimal
Senaratne said MILCO (Pvt.) Ltd plays a commendable role in minimising
the national expenditure on milk imports.
Minister Livestock Development, C. B. Rathnayake, said proposals
would be made at this year's budget to create a stable market rate for
milk.
The workforce stands at over 300 employees and their production
capacity is 12 metric tons of powdered milk and 1.2 metric tons of
butter per day. |
