Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
Wednesday, 4 February 2026 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya recently expressed confidence that the Government is on course to build an economy that delivers benefits to all citizens, describing it as the foundation for a transformative new era.
She made these remarks on Sunday while attending the MILCO National Dairy Farmers’ Profit Sharing, Introducing Farm/Farm Family Insurance and Appreciation Program – 2026 held at Temple Trees.
The event, organised under the theme “A Nutritious and Thriving Nation Enriched by Milk”, was aimed at recognising the contribution of the dairy farming community to the Milk Industries of Lanka Company (MILCO), which recorded its highest-ever sales turnover in 2025 and achieved a historic net profit.
As part of the program, incentives are to be distributed among 22,000 dairy farmers affiliated with MILCO. During the ceremony, dividend payments were symbolically presented to 2,000 farmers, while incentive payments were extended to dairy farmers across all provinces. Field officers who supported the sector were also recognised.
In addition, membership certificates for pension entitlements under the Dairy Farmer Retirement Scheme jointly implemented by the Social Security Fund and MILCO were awarded.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya said the current Government is committed to an economic model rooted in economic democracy, where producers across the country are integrated into the production process and benefits are shared equitably. She stressed that inclusivity is a central pillar of the Government’s economic strategy.
She further noted that State-owned enterprise (SOE) too can be transformed into efficient and people-oriented entities by minimising fraud and corruption, ensuring sound management, and providing goal-oriented leadership. According to the Prime Minister, MILCO’s recent performance demonstrates what can be achieved within a relatively short period when these principles are applied.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Dr. Amarasuriya pointed out that dividend payments to dairy farmers were being made after a gap of 21 years. “The last time dividends were distributed was during the brief period when the President served as Agriculture Minister.
It has taken 21 years to reach this point,” she said, adding that the achievement underscores the damage caused by mismanagement in previous decades. She noted that achieving this turnaround within 15 to 16 months highlights the need to correct past wrongs and rebuild institutions in a way that involves all stakeholders and ensures shared benefits.
Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha also addressed the event, commending the Chairman, Board of Directors, staff of MILCO and the dairy farmers for transforming the SOEs into a high-income-generating institution within a short timeframe.
He emphasised the importance of recognising and assigning national value to such achievements.
The Minister attributed MILCO’s growth and revenue performance to the people-centric policies of the new Government and said the success demonstrates the potential for state institutions to become major contributors to national revenue.
Lalkantha assured continued Government support to address challenges faced by dairy farmers and urged them to maintain high standards and proper procedures across the industry.
The event was attended by Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Namal Karunarathne, Anuradhapura District MP Susantha Kumara Navarathna, Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Ministry Secretary D.P. Wickramasinghe, MILCO Chairman Hemajeewa Gotabhaya, senior Ministry and institutional officials, and dairy farmers from across the island.
