New canned fish product from Foreconns Food Canning

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

EU certified food canning company Foreconns has introduced a new quality canned fish product made out of fresh water fish for the domestic market . Foreconnes Food Canning Chairman Nimal Jayasuriya told Daily News Business that Sri Lanka can save a large amount of foreign exchange if this product is developed for the local market.

Foreconns is a company producing around 50 ready to eat food items in cans, jars and vacuum packed sachets at their factory in Beruwela for many years.

The company exports its range of products to every corner of the world specially to EU countries.

Referring to the Central Bank Annual Report 2010 Mawbima Lanka Foundation Chairman Ariyaseela Wickramanayake said the country has spent US $ 114 million worth of foreign exchange to import 6000 tonnes of canned fish for local consumption. But if the new product could be developed not only Sri Lanka can save that foreign exchange but also could give a large number of employment to local people in the country.” he said.

Jayasuriya said rural people who were engaged in catching fresh water fish could not sustain because they did not have infrastructure and proper markets during difficult times. “But if they are given proper facilities their capabilities can be made use for the country. He said as his experiment was a success he is hoping to implement his future plan shortly. He has invested Rs 120 million by now and employed eighty people already.