Cargills links 22 districts, focuses on rural folk

by Surekha GALAGODA

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Cargills Ceylon PLC, Sri Lanka's leading food and Agribusiness company purchases 1.8% of fruits and vegetables, 5% of paddy and 3% of livestock per day from the national production, said CEO of Cargills Ranjit Page.

Outlining their partnership with cricketing legend Sanath Jayasuriya as Brand Ambassador for Cargills Magic Ice cream, Page said that as Sri Lankans we are proud of Jayasuriya. Proud of the innovation and vibrancy he has brought to the cricket field.

Page said, "Cargills has linked 1,800 entrepreneurs from 22 districts and it has not only helped the company to grow but also the rural folk including the youth to grow".

Cargills is considered a global role model by the Bill Gates Foundation as we have been linking the rural people in 22 districts to the supply chain purchasing their products at fixed prices at their doorstep".

He was hopeful that Cargills will be able to link the remaining three districts in the near future".

Prior to Cargills taking over the ice cream business it was manufactured using imported powdered milk. Once Cargills took over, it was a whole shift with the use of liquid milk and fruits. It benefits the dairy farmer as well as the fruit grower.

Jayasuriya famed as an uncompromising crickerter said, "I look forward to working with Cargills in their efforts to build hope and create opportunities especially for rural youth.

I appreciate the vision the company has for our country and I am honoured to be part of it.

The Cargills mission is to serve the rural community by enhancing youth skills and bridging regional disparities. I hope I will be able to contribute to the service they render to our nation through this partnership.

Tracing the relationship between Jayasuriya and himself, he said that it goes back to 1996 and the first time we visited Jayasuriya's home we were welcome with open arms and treated very well but we did not know them. This is Sri Lankan hospitality. From then on the relationship grew and here we are today.

As Cargills Food City celebrates 25 years ANCL, MBC, Sirasa TV and Shakthi TV are proud to partner the company in enhancing youth skills, creating opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs as well as meeting the nutritional needs of Sri Lankans towards long-term sustainable growth.