CIC Holdings teams up with SLINTEC

CIC Holdings PLC recently signed a research agreement with the Sri Lankan Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), to develop a novel herbicide formulation for CIC's Crop Solutions Division. This initiative is one of the first attempts in the industry to locally synthesize and formulate a herbicide.

SLINTEC is a public-private partnership between the Government and major players in the private sector such as MAS Holdings, Brandix, Dialog, Hayleys, Loadstar and Lankem. SLINTEC is committed to assisting local industries to develop and improve products for local and international markets, by using nanotechnology and other advanced technology solutions.

CIC Holdings is one of the country's leading conglomerates with a diversified industry portfolio that includes businesses in areas such as healthcare and consumer products.

Managing Director and CEO, CIC Holdings PLC, Samantha Ranatunga said, "We are pleased to embark on this research initiative with SLINTEC, one of the foremost scientific research entities in the country.

CIC's Crop Solutions Division plays a pivotal role in spearheading the country's agriculture industry and aids yield maximization and also reduces the loss of harvest due to weeds, pests and diseases."

"By embarking on a research project to develop a state-of-the-art herbicide formulation, CIC is again stepping forward as a pioneer in the agriculture industry, and is taking steps to help the local industry develop and align itself with the highest global standards and latest trends," he said.

CIC Crop Solutions has a range of solutions that cater to the management of weeds, insects and diseases (ranging from organic and bio pesticides to synthetic chemicals) and also includes plant stimulants and liquid fertilizer. CIC Crop Solutions also supplies products for specific pests and pathogens.