‘Ripe for Innovation’ symposium explores future of Sri Lanka’s TomEJC mango sector

Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF), in collaboration with the Lanka Fruit and Vegetable Producers, Processors and Exporters Association (LFVPPEA), the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research’s (CGIAR) Fruit and Vegetables for Sustainable Healthy Diets (FRESH) project, hosted the ‘Ripe for Innovation’ symposium on Sri Lanka’s TomEJC mango sector on 8 May. 

The event brought together industry leaders, Government representatives, and development partners to explore the export prospects of this high-potential sector.

Global recognition and demand for Sri Lanka’s TomEJC mango is rapidly increasing, driven by its unique characteristics such as size, fibreless flesh, and golden-orange colour. In response, public and private sector investments have accelerated the expansion of TomEJC cultivation in recent years. However, as domestic supply grows, it is critical to tap into lucrative international markets. This will require a coordinated effort among key stakeholders—agricultural input suppliers (such as fertiliser and seed suppliers), growers, technical specialists, and exporters.

The Australian Government-funded MDF is supporting the development of farm management and emerging export commodities such as TomEJC mango to diversify Sri Lanka’s agricultural export portfolio and unlock new opportunities. To this end, the MDF co-invests with agribusinesses to improve sourcing strategies, quality production, and farm-level orchard management.

The ‘Ripe for Innovation’ symposium, held at Courtyard by Marriott, provided a platform for leading agriculture businesses, sector experts, and Government officials from the Department of Agriculture and Agriculture Ministry, among others, to discuss policy and investment priorities to position mango as a high-potential export crop.

Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens in his keynote address said: “Australia, through the MDF, has consistently supported Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector since 2017, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to the country’s economic development. Through close collaboration with growers, processors, and exporters, Australia is working to increase global recognition of the TomEJC mango sector in Sri Lanka, ensuring that rising local production meets the standards required for successful entry into international markets. This event marks a pivotal point in the development of the TomEJC mango, and we are proud to stand alongside our partners to collaborate and create new opportunities in the sector.”

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by MDF Deputy Country Director Malik Sheriffdeen, with Ellawala Horticulture Director and LFVPPEA  Head of Mango Cluster Suresh Ellawala, HNB Executive Vice President/Head of SME and Micro Finance Rajive Dissanayake, Agriculture Department Director General Dr. Shiromani Edirimanna, and Sri Lanka Agripreneurs Forum Chairman and former Hayleys Agriculture MD Rizvi Zaheed sharing their insights on the TomEJC mango market, the importance of collaboration, and priorities over the next few years. 

The ACIAR also launched its interim findings report on food loss reduction pathways within the mango value chain. Breakout discussions focusing on investment, policy, and innovation solutions explored ideas and practical solutions for sector growth.

“This stakeholder consultation event is a valuable opportunity to set priorities for the development of an export-led growth strategy for Sri Lankan mangoes. The ACIAR Agribusiness Program focuses on improving business outcomes for smallholder farmers. Our work in Sri Lanka has confirmed that farm produce can avoid post-harvest losses and export limitations by around 20-30% through better business practices. Additionally, it would also improve agricultural productivity and reduce environmental and food safety risks, which is what we want to achieve,” said University of Queensland Associate Professor and Australian Coordinator for the ACIAR initiative on mango Dr. Thilak Mallawaarachchi.

Ellawala said: “The LFVPPEA has welcomed this event as a platform to bring together stakeholders in the mango sector, contributing towards the Association’s goal of doubling sector exports. The Association thanks the MDF and all the other co-hosting organisations for their commitment towards making the event a success.”

This event represents a significant opportunity for the TomEJC mango sector to build on efforts by the industry and Government to diversify Sri Lanka’s agricultural export portfolio. Export diversification is essential to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic growth, and TomEJC mango highlights the potential of high-value agriculture to drive this transformation. 

With continued collaboration and investment, these partnerships and engagement by industry stakeholders are vital to generate employment, strengthen Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness, and unlock new opportunities for agricultural exports.