EDB to promote Cinnamon exports

The Ministry of Export Development and International Trade said that Sri Lanka is currently enjoying the status of top cinnamon supplier of the world by providing 80% of the requirement.

The Ministry said that several measures have been taken to promote this status. The Export Development Board has taken measures on the guidance of Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris to modernize the production units by introducing a procedure known as the “Good Manufacturing Process” which is hygienic and efficient. Financial aid and guidance will also be provided in modernizing the processing centres. The Minister handed over three million rupees for the construction and the machinery in the processing units selected at Talduwa, Karandeniya, Telwatta and Kosgoda. The Export Development Board will provide the finances from the allocations made for agricultural export zones in the 2009 Budget. Twenty factories will be modernized in the first phase. After inaugurating the factories the Minister said when the new techniques will be implemented, Sri Lankan Cinnamon will obtain international quality certificates and more international orders will be placed. Former Chairman of the EDB Anil Koswatta, Director General Sujatha Weerakoon, Cinnamon producers and a large number of people in the area were present.