Kurunegala District Women’s Chamber convention to boost floriculture

Saturday, 11 August 2012 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kurunegala District Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agri Business, one of the member chambers of Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) has organized a convention on “Development of Floriculture Sector” on 31st of July 2012, at Kurunegala.

Objectives of organizing a convention are to identify sector issues, finding solutions, develop relationships among stakeholders of floriculture sector, increase awareness among participants on Business Development Services providers in floriculture sector, identify potential areas to be improved and prepare a future development plan.  

Today, Sri Lanka is recognized as one of the best quality production centers for floriculture products in the world. While the floriculture sector is a booming business in the North Western province, there are new challenges are remaining. The Kurunegala District Women’s Chamber has identified the floriculture sector as one of the developing sectors in the province by a sector study done. The study carried out with the guidance and assistance of National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA). As a result of the observations, the Kurunegala Women’s Chamber organized a convention on development of floriculture sector with the collaboration of NEDA and the Ministry of Industry & Commerce.

Hon. Jayarathne Herath, Deputy Minister of Industry & Commerce inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering he has emphasized importance of organizing a convention towards the development of the floriculture sector in the province. He stated through institutions of Ministry of Industry & Commerce such as Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), NEDA more services are offered for development of the businesses which can be obtained by regional business community. Also he valued the contribution of Kurunegala Women’s Chamber towards the development of regional economy.

Ms. Nilmini Tissera, President of the Kurunegala Women’s Chamber observed about the FCCISL in her welcome speech, who is the founder of the women chamber. Also she mentioned the Women’s chamber was supported and nurtured by the FCCISL at the stage of the establishment.

Wasantha Senanayake, Assistant Director, Marketing & Facilitation of NEDA (main partner) explained on programme objectives and an introduction of NEDA.

Senior officials representing floriculture sector from government organizations such as EDB, IDB, Small Industry Development Section, National Plant Quarantine Center, private sector organizations and NGOs were participated. The convention was attracted more than 100 participants ranging from flower growers, exporters, suppliers and members of floriculture associations. After an open discussion on BDS services, industrial issues and solutions, a committee has been formed laying out a plan to way forward for the development of floriculture sector.

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