Star exporters’ shining moment

Chaminda PERERA

Sri Lankan exporters who made great contributions for the uplift of the national economy and society were recognized by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the 18th Presidential Export Awards ceremony held at Temple Trees yesterday.

The Presidential Export Awards organized by the Export Development Board was first held in 1981 to recognize the services of the exporter community towards the country’s economy. The Presidential Export Awards were conferred on exporters who performed exceptionally, under a number of categories.

The exporters who performed exceptionally during the year 2007, 2008 and 2009 received Presidential Export Awards from the President. Over 40 companies involved in export of tea in value added form, agricultural products, fish and fisheries products, apparel and fibre products received Presidential Merit Certificates.

Sirio Limited won the presidential export award for the largest contribution to rural development in 2007 and this award was won by Orit Apparels Lanka (Pvt) Limited and Link Natural Products Limited in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Akbar Brothers emerged the highest net foreign exchange earner for 2008 and 2009 respectively.

Ceylon Biscuits Limited emerged the Best Exporter and the Best Brand Exporter for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 consecutively. The company won the Presidential Export Award for the confectionery and bakery product category in 2007, 2008 and 2010 too.

President Rajapaksa also launched the Cinnamon logo for the export of Sri Lankan cinnamon on this occasion.

The award winners were selected by a panel of judges headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Hector S. Yapa. Commerce and Industry Minister Rishad Badiudeen, Deputy Minister Jayarathne Herath, members of the diplomatic corps and the exporters were present.