Lankans prefer short cuts - Mario De Alwis
by Surekha Galagoda
[email protected]

Mario De Alwis
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Violence is a major factor that inhibits us from promoting brands.
Therefore, war and violence should end before we build brands, said
Mario De Alwis.
De Alwis told a seminar concurrent to the ProFood ProPack exhibition
in Colombo that another reason is that Sri Lanka does not have
commitment to pursue a project until the end. Most of the time our
people prefer to take short cuts which is not accepted internationally
as we all have to compete on a level playing field.
If a cess is charged there should be transparency in utilisation of
that cess for the betterment of the industry. It is not ethical to use
it on somebody’s favourite project or use it on some other project, said
De Alwis.
Though Singapore doesn’t grow and process food most of the oriental
food is available in Singapore and according to statistics 10 mln people
have travelled to Singapore and the country is known the world over for
good tasty, hygenic food.
Thailand is known the world over as the kitchen of the world and it
is promoted. He said that Indians travel extensively but they never eat
anything other than Indian food. Around 5-6 mln Phillipino maids are
employed in the EU as well as in Asia and they are the ambassadors of
Phillipino food and De Alwis added that food processors in Sri Lanka can
capitalise on these known cuisines.
In addition there are many positives that we can promote
internationally which include a very visible and accessible food supply
chain, knowledgeable people, a clean water source, good soil conditions,
great weather patterns, great traditions and customs, the romance
associated with agriculture, a healthy respect for all living beings
including animals and veganism. In the event these aspects are promoted
globally we can secure a better share of the market. He said that we in
the private sector are guilty of taking politics to business. Our system
has to change and we have to tell the politicians enough is enough and
tell them that we need entrepreneurs and fighters. There are many
factors that global markets consider when importing food. Among them are
health, safety, sustainability, social correctness, discipline and open
to opinion. Stringent standards have been imposed on food imports by the
western world since there have been very expensive recalls costing
billions of dollars.
Within the next few years the world’s population will increase from
7-9 bln but the land to grow crops will reduce creating a shortage of
food. |