Q: Could you elaborate on the significance of malted food drinks and the overarching purpose of Unilever’s investment in this area?

Sharmila Bandara: Unilever commenced its journey of investing in Sri Lanka’s future around 85 years ago and we continue to have confidence in its potential as an investment destination. Today, we manufacture 97 percent of our products in Sri Lanka and this project will further enhance Unilever Sri Lanka’s locally manufactured portfolio.

This investment will come in the form of Rs. 4 billion to be used to manufacture our much loved malted food drink brands – Viva and Horlicks – as part of our journey to nourish a million Sri Lankans.

The Viva and Horlicks brands serve a larger purpose in supporting the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 – ‘Zero Hunger’ – based on ending hunger and malnutrition, improving nutrition, and ensuring sustainable agriculture and food security. We are committed to using positive ingredients and nutrients to create nutritious, convenient and delicious products.

Our aim is to ensure that these products are accessible to a wide range of consumers including households at all income levels, enabling them to consume affordable and diverse diets that are rich in nutrients. The ultimate goal of our health food drinks brands is to positively impact and nourish the lives of a million individuals through our products and initiatives.

Q: How will this project benefit the local economy?

Damith Abeyratne: Sri Lanka has great potential for investment with its infrastructure and skilled workforce. We believe private sector investments to service the domestic market is an important component of competitiveness for Sri Lanka’s GDP and economy – just as much as exports.

We believe that strengthening the local manufacturing sector could help ring-fence the supply of essentials and staples to the domestic market from supply chain disruptions, natural disasters and crises.

It is known that Sri Lanka’s increased import dependence has left some key manufacturing supply chains exposed to global risks. By producing the much loved malted food drinks locally, we will reduce our dependence on imports for these brands and retain valuable foreign exchange within the country. This would not only increase GDP and thereby strengthen our domestic economy but also contribute to industrial development.

This project will also generate a wide range of employment opportunities spanning from the initial construction phase to the subsequent commercialisation and operation of the facility. The factory will provide over 125 direct jobs and a substantial number of indirect jobs, stimulating economic growth.

In addition to generating livelihoods, the establishment of the factory entails a commitment to training and skills development. While technology sits at the heart of all our innovations, investing in our workforce through comprehensive training programmes is also a key priority. This ensures that they acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles, fostering professional growth and career advancement.

Q: How can Sri Lanka sustain its current momentum and ensure that it remains on the right path to enhance its attractiveness as an investment destination?

Hajar Alafifi: We are thankful to the government for bringing stability, both socially and economically, to create a conducive environment for new investments. As a company that has thrived in this country for over 85 years, Unilever will continue to invest in its future and contribute to its socioeconomic recovery in the long term.

The government is taking measures to improve the ease of doing business in Sri Lanka and I’m confident that it will continue these efforts going forward. This will attract more investors, enticing them to join hands in an effort to rebuild this beautiful nation.

Sri Lanka offers a rich combination of advantages including its favourable geographic location, sound infrastructure to support logistics networks, an educated workforce and a resilient culture – all of which provide a solid foundation for potential investors to benefit from, and contribute to the country’s growth and development.Bottom of Form

– Compiled by Avanti Samarasekera

CONTACT DETAILS

Telephone – 1323 | Email – consumercare.usl@unilever.com | Website – www.unilever.com.lk