Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security has shared the following guidelines for donating essential food items to Sri Lanka. Required documentation for donations is also annexed. Kindly note that guidelines are subject to future amendments.

Those who are able to extend help at this hour of need are kindly requested to contact the High Commission through email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

Canada

Guidelines for donating essential food items to Sri Lanka

Required documentation for donations

Please see the latest list of urgently required medicines and medical equipment issued by the Ministry of Health on 27the June 2022.

List of urgently required medicines and medical equipment

Facilitated by the Sri Lanka  High Commission in Ottawa  the  Canadian  Organic Trade  Association (COTA) Executive  Director Tia Loftgard  had  discussions  on  promoting  organic  trade, capacity  building   and  areas  of possible  collaboration  with  the Export Development Board  (EDB)  Sri Lanka  on 10^th June 2022 virtually. 

Welcoming the participants   High Commissioner  Harsha Kumara Navaratne informed  that  the meeting  is an  extension  of  previous  discussions  with COTA on   improving  and expanding  the  organic trade base  of  Sri Lanka and  the  need  for  capacity  building . 

EDB   Chairman Suresh De Mel emphasised that organic trade  is one of the fastest growing markets with untapped potential for expansion.

According to a presentation made by EDB, there are 333 certified exporters, 626 certified processors and 20,679 certified farmers growing on 85,561.45 Ha.  The Sri Lanka export basket includes Tea, Coconut kernel products, Spices, Fruits and Vegetables, Food and Beverage, Traditional Rice, Herbal Products, Super foods and Essential oils. 

The National Organic Control Unit (NOCU) has been established under the EDB in July 11, 2014 and the EDB is deemed as the Organic Control Body of Sri Lanka in terms of section 29 of the Export Development Act. No 40. 

EDB  stated  that it is   looking  forward  to establish credible organic agriculture system in Sri Lanka  with independent certified farmer groups with a view  to increase  export  volume with  credible  organic input.  It  also  outlined  its  registration and  the  process  of  obtaining  mutual  recognition  for  organic standards  and on developing an automatic  stakeholder registration system.

Introducing the Canadian Organic Trade Association Tia  Loftgrad stated COTA is a  membership-based association for organic agriculture and products in Canada.  The  membership include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and all points along the organic value chain. According to her, Canadians have spent $ 8.138 Billion in 2020 out of which $6.519 Billion was on food and beverage (non alcoholic). 

The EDB and COTA  discussed  on  collaboration  that   could  mutually  benefit  in  exchange  of best practices  and  obtaining  assistance  on  capacity  building. 

Deputy  High Commissioner Anzul Jhan,  and  Counsellor  Lashinka  Dammullage  participated  in the  discussions  while  Consul General  Thushara Rodrigo  and  Deputy Consul General Chandima  Kiriwandala   participated  from the  Toronto Consulate Generals  office.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

13^th June 2022