First-ever maize export takes off

Wednesday, 23 May 2012 00:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday participated as the Chief Guest at the ceremony to mark the occasion of exporting a shipment of 10,000 metric tons of maize for the first time in Sri Lanka by Wayamba Traders Co.

Sri Lanka is already self-sufficient in maize. The country’s maize demand is 180,000 MT per year and during harvesting of the first season a yield of 200, 000 MT have been obtained. About 10,000MTs from the surplus will be exported to Taiwan and Canada. Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene, Minister of Agrarian Services and Wildlife S.M. Chandrasena, Minister of Public Relations and Public Affairs Mervyn Silva, Minister of Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Jagath Pushpakumara, Minister of Small Export Crops Promotion Reginald Cooray, Deputy Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Deputy Minister of Disaster Management Dulip Wijesekara also participated at this occasion.

Pix by Chaminda Hittatiya