Top experts to showcase new opportunities in agri, dairy and fishery sectors

• Key insights from private and public sector leaders at Daily FT-Colombo Uni. MBAA full-day forum tomorrow at Hilton Colombo
• Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal to deliver keynote, World Bank Country Head Chiyo Kanda Guest of Honour

Top industry experts will tomorrow highlight new opportunities in the fast-growing sectors of agribusiness, dairy and fisheries at a full day forum organised by the Daily FT and Colombo University MBA Alumni Association.

Private and public sector leaders will share key insights at the forum titled ‘Knock Knock 2022’, the annual management conference of the Colombo Uni. MBAA at Hilton Colombo.

Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal will keynote the forum whilst World Bank Country Manager Chiyo Kanda will be the Guest of Honour.

The focus on these three sectors is in line with the Government’s thrust strategy of boosting the local economy towards self-sufficiency as well as harnessing export markets.

Global technology giant Huawei has come forward as the Strategic Partner for the forum to reinforce how the latest technology can help improve efficiency, productivity and innovation in these three sectors.

The forum will be addressed by veterans in the respective industries Sri Lanka Agriprenuers Forum Chairman Rizvy Zaheed (agribusiness), Ocean University of Sri Lanka Dean Faculty of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Dr. M.F.M. Fairoz (fishery), and Maliban Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Strategy Asoka Bandara (dairy) as the keynote presenters. 

Each session chaired by University of Peradeniya Prof in Agriculture Prof Buddhi Marambe will also see insights to modern technology aspects. Huawei Technologies Lanka Vice President Enterprise Business Group Indika De Zoysa focusing on agriculture, National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka Director H.M.U.K.P.B. Herath on fishery and National Livestock Development Board Former General Manager Chithral Munaweera on dairy.

The agribusiness session panellists include Lanka Fruit and Vegetables Exporters Association Vice Chairperson Charindi Ranasinghe, Industrial Technology Institute Additional Director General (R&D) Prof. Ilmi Hewajulige and SenzAgro CEO Miller Alexander.

The fisheries sector panel will include State Ministry of Fisheries Secretary Jayantha Chandrasoma, Tropic Fishery Ltd. Executive Director and CEO Roshan Fernando and University of Ruhuna Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences and Technology Prof. Ruchira Tharangini Cumaranatunga.

The dairy panel will feature Pelwatte Dairy Industries Founder Ariyaseela Wickramanayake, Cargills Ceylon PLC Food Safety and Nutrition Group Manager Dr. Nelum Vithana and Milco Ltd. former Chairman Lasantha Wickramasinghe.

Ticket for the forum is priced Rs. 10,000/Rs. 7,500 (five heads and above) and could be reserved early by contacting +94 77 011 3737 or emailing [email protected]

“We decided to focus on Agriculture, Dairy and Fishery this year because we consider these industries are indispensable, crucial and fundamental to our economy. Our view is that this conference will instruct and educate the public on new opportunities for business ventures and most importantly will aid in attracting the local and foreign investments,” Colombo Uni. MBAA President Boshan Dayaratne said. 

“During the conference we will be elaborating on the business opportunities and technological advances in these industries,” he added.  Creative partner of the forum is Ogilvy Digital.