Control Union Sri Lanka convenes industry leaders to strengthen food safety systems

The panelists at the Food Safety Forward

Control Union Academy Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Foundation FSSC, hosted Food Safety Forward, an FSSC Awareness Session for Stronger Food Safety Systems, Version 7, at Jasmine Hall, BMICH, Colombo. 

It brought together food industry professionals, food safety practitioners, business leaders and other stakeholders for an afternoon focused on the changing food safety landscape and the future readiness of Sri Lankan businesses.

The event opened with registration and informal conversation as participants arrived, with many taking the opportunity to meet, reconnect and exchange ideas ahead of the formal program. 

Control Union Sri Lanka Managing Director Roshan Ranawake delivered the welcome address, setting the context for a session centred on stronger food safety systems, industry readiness and global market confidence.

This was followed by the keynote address, titled Safe Food, Strong Businesses, Global Trust, Shaping the Future of Sri Lanka’s Food Industry, delivered by Janak Badugama of the Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka. The address highlighted the role of strong food safety practices in strengthening the competitiveness and international market readiness of Sri Lankan food businesses. Smita Murty, FSSC India and Sri Lanka Representative, then introduced participants to FSSC, offering perspectives on evolving global food safety expectations and how local businesses can prepare for what lies ahead.

A key highlight of the afternoon was the panel discussion, Preparing Sri Lankan Food Businesses for Emerging Global Food Safety Requirements. The panel brought together expertise from international food safety systems, export development, food science and industry leadership, featuring Smita Murty of FSSC India and Sri Lanka, Janak Badugama of the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka, Professor K.K.D.S. Ranaweera of the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and Annes Junaid, agribusiness entrepreneur and export specialist. The discussion was moderated by Sunera Wickramaarachchi, Commercial Manager of Control Union Sri Lanka, and explored evolving global food safety expectations, emerging scientific risks, market access, management commitment and food safety culture, along with the practical steps Sri Lankan businesses can take to strengthen both performance and competitiveness.

The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kaushalya Rajapaksha, General Manager of Control Union Sri Lanka, acknowledging the contributions of the speakers, panelists, participants and everyone involved in the program. The session was hosted throughout by Uthuthara Rajapaksha, Quality Manager of Control Union Sri Lanka.

The day concluded with a networking session that extended well beyond the formal presentations and panel discussion. It brought speakers, panelists, participants and industry professionals together in a more informal setting to exchange experiences, discuss industry challenges and build new professional connections, while continuing to explore how stronger food safety systems can translate into stronger businesses, greater market confidence and a more competitive Sri Lankan food sector.

Control Union Sri Lanka extended its sincere appreciation to Foundation FSSC, the speakers, panelists and everyone who joined Food Safety Forward and contributed to making the session a meaningful platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. With different perspectives and practical insights converging around one shared direction, the session reaffirmed the company’s continued commitment to moving food safety forward across the country’s food industry.

Control Union Sri Lanka is a member of the Control Union World Group, a global leader in certification, inspection, and testing services with operations across more than 80 countries and five offices in Sri Lanka. The company provides services spanning agriculture, food safety, textiles, bioenergy, and sustainability certification. In February 2026, Control Union Sri Lanka opened the country’s first PCR-based food testing laboratory, the 28th within the global Control Union laboratory network, further strengthening the scientific foundation behind its inspection and certification services.