NDB conducts workshop for cinnamon sector
As part of its continued efforts to enable local industries, the NDB
recently conducted a program to empower cinnamon growers, exporters and
cinnamon related product manufacturers.
 To create a national consensus towards developing regional players in
the cinnamon industry, the NDB teamed up with the Ceylon Chamber of
Commerce, the Spices and Allied Products Producers’ and Traders’
Association (SAPPTA) and the Galle District Chamber of Commerce to
conduct a workshop for small and medium sector growers and exporters in
Galle.
Chief Operating Officer, NDB, Indrajit Wickramasinghe said, “As a
bank dedicated towards national development, NDB has continuously placed
special emphasis on the export sector and regional economic development
which we believe is vital for propelling the national economy towards
its growth targets.”
“This forum facilitates a dialogue between the key players in the
industry of the region and several well-known industry specialists and
professionals, to share best practices and related insight for further
development of the industry. andNDB and CCC place a lot of weight on the
development of regional industry and we hope to conduct more programs of
this nature in time to andcome,” he said.
The workshop concluded with a panel discussion on the ‘Way Forward
for Increasing Regional Contribution for National Economic Growth’ led
by the distinguished panelists, Chairman of SAPPTA and Spice Council,
Sarada de Silva, Deputy Director of Sri Lanka Standards Institute, S H S
Mahagama, Assistant Director of Sri Lanka Export Development Board Ms
Nilmini Wanasinghe and the President of Galle Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Ravi Kalansooriya.
The discussion was moderated by Professor of Agricultural Biology of
University of Ruhuna, Prof. Wasantha K K Liyanage.
“With a rich heritage in SME financing, NDB is fully geared and
committed to help this sector to maximise the opportunities in the
market. Therefore, in addition to SME lending, the Bank has initiated
programs such as this workshop to enhance the knowledge and skills of
regional entrepreneurs to help them overcome emerging challenges,” a
bank spokesman said. |
