Use of Natural Agricultural Produce in Bakery Industry Can Be a Major Strength, Says Prime Minister

16-Jun-2026

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that incorporating locally produced natural agricultural products into bakery manufacturing could significantly benefit both local farmers and the tourism industry.

She made these remarks while addressing the annual convention of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, on June 14.

The Prime Minister said that as Sri Lanka moves towards a new phase of economic transformation, the bakery sector has the potential to become a major economic driver rather than remaining limited to flour-based products.

She stressed that quality and health should be at the heart of food production, urging the industry to introduce more nutritious products free from artificial flavourings and colourings.

According to her, value-added products made from rice flour, finger millet, millet varieties, pulses and local tubers could enable the industry to capitalise on the global trend towards healthy foods.

She added that using locally grown natural agricultural products in food served to international tourists would strengthen both the farming community and the tourism sector. The Government, she said, remains committed to supporting local businesses.

Measures are already being taken to ease difficulties in importing raw materials, provide concessionary loans for new technologies and offer technical support to meet international standards.