‘Indo- Lanka business ties have strengthened’

Indo- Sri Lanka relations that date back to the ancient times cannot be shattered by anyone. Business dealings between the two countries have strengthened more than ever before, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said.

The minister said so when he participated in the inauguration of the Dabur Lanka fruit juice factory at Yakadagala Estate, Kotadeniyawa in Mirigama.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa at the inauguration of the Dabur Lanka fruit juice factory

Rs two billion was spent in the first phase of the plant which is being launched as a Board of Investment of Sri Lanka project. It is envisaged to produce 280,000 bottles of fruit juice per day. This will benefit local fruit growers.

Minister Rajapaksa said fruit growers in the area will economically benefit from the plant having modern amenities. He said the factory in addition to providing jobs, will also benefit the fruit and vegetable growers in the area as measures are being taken to facilitate them to sell their produce to the factory.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by representatives of the government. Also present were former Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha, Dabur India Ltd Chairman, Dr. Anand C. Burman and Dabur India Ltd Chief Executive Officer Sunil Duggal. Established under an agreement with the BOI, this new manufacturing facility has been set up with an initial investment of US$ 16 million and with a capacity to produce 280,000 cases of fruit-based beverages every month.

The Dabur Lanka plant will initially employ around 75 people at the start of production this month and the intention is to increase the number of staff gradually to keep pace with demand and capacity expansion.

It will also offer the opportunity of providing indirect employment opportunities for hundreds of people. The new plant has been set up in full compliance with the green principles by utilizing environment-friendly building practices during construction.

Technology interventions have also been put in place to continuously monitor waste generation and constantly improve effluent waste treatment at the plant.