Agriculture Minister visits Ambewela Farms to donate 10 heifer cows worth Rs. 15 m to selected farmers

Ambewela Farm, a household name for dairy goodness, and renowned for its state-of-the-art technology and commitment to advancing dairy production, recently welcomed Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha and Deputy Education and Higher Education Minister Dr. Madhura Senevirathne.

This special visit was made with the objective of participating in the launch ceremony of donating 10 heifer cows to 10 local farms in line with the companies CSR initiative of uplifting the local dairy farmers. With this visit the minister also reviewed the comprehensive development drive at Ambewela, propelling the farm towards significant advancements.

Upon his arrival, Minister Lalkantha was warmly received by the Management Committee of Ambewela Dairy Farm, along with the dedicated staff. He inspected the premises and reviewed the progress of the new development initiatives, noting the leaps that have been made, and the farm’s important contribution to the national economy.

During the Visit, the management committee took the opportunity to highlight the transformation of Ambewela Farm since its establishment in 1943 and privatisation in 2001. It was explained how the farm has undergone extensive modernisation, establishing itself as the leading centre, both in Sri Lanka and across South Asia, for advanced dairy production and farm technology utilisation. The Team also expressed gratitude to the Minister for his unwavering support, which is pivotal in shaping the dairy sector in Sri Lanka

During this visit the Minister along with Group Deputy Chairman Stasshani Jayawardena and LMF Group CEO Sasanka Perera, gave away 10 heifer cows worth 15 million to selected local farmers. The objective was to support the local dairy farmers with the high yielding cows bred at Ambewela Farms. The average milk yield of these cows is 38Liters a day.  The daily milk production of the farm is 65,000 litres. In 2025 Ambewela Farms recorded a significant milestone reaching 23.5Million litres of annual milk production, driven by the development of high-quality dairy cow breeds and the automation of all livestock management activities.

During the visit addressing the management, Minister Lalkantha sai:d “It’s the duty of both government sector and private sector to contribute to the dairy production of the country to ensure that we are self-sufficient as a nation and not dependent on imported milk, which can be helpful even in a crisis or a war situation”. He also said that the government will support the future growth of the dairy industry and he was happy to witness the growth of Ambewela farms after the privatisation and having a facility of this scale in Sri Lanka.m Commenting on the Minister›s visit, LMF Group Deputy Chairman Stasshani Jayawardena said: “We are grateful for the support extended today from the Honourable Ministers of His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Government. It sends a powerful message of the President’s vision for and confidence in the country’s vital dairy sector. Working together, we are committed to empowering farmers to strengthen nutrition and ensure food security for the people of Sri Lanka.”

LMF Group CEO Sasanka Perera said” “It was an honour to welcome the minister and get his invaluable advice and discuss his vision for the dairy industry. Ambewela Dairy Farm’s progress is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in dairy production. We have invested heavily in advanced technologies and mechanised processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. With the direction and support of the Minister Lal Kantha, we are confident in our ability to achieve our ambitious production goals and further contribute to Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.”

The farm has also opened its doors for research and experiential learning, offering students from Sri Lankan universities valuable hands-on experience. Ambewela Dairy Farm also continues to attract a significant number of tourists. On one notable day this year, the farm welcomed 10,000 visitors, reflecting its growing popularity. These initiatives underscore the farm’s commitment to excellence and its role as a leader in the dairy industry. The ongoing support and strategic direction provided by Minister Lal Kantha remain crucial in driving the farm’s future success and its contributions to the national economy.