Kurunegala Women’s Chamber organises convention to boost floriculture

Kurunegala District Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agri Business, one of the member chambers of Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) organised a convention on ‘Development of Floriculture Sector’ recently, in Kurunegala.

The objectives of organising a convention are to identify sector issues, finding solutions, develop relationships among stakeholders of floriculture sector, increase awareness among participants on Business Development Services providers in floriculture sector, identify potential areas to be improved and prepare a future development plan.

Today, Sri Lanka is recognised as one of the best quality production centers for floriculture products in the world. While the floriculture sector is a booming business in the North Western Province, there are new challenges remaining. The Kurunegala District Women’s Chamber has identified the floriculture sector as one of the developing sectors in the province by a sector study done. The study was carried out with the guidance and assistance of the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA). As a result of the observations, the Kurunegala Women’s Chamber organised a convention on development of floriculture sector with the collaboration of the NEDA and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Jayarathne Herath, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering he has emphasized importance of organising a convention towards the development of the floriculture sector in the province. He stated through institutions of Ministry of Industry and Commerce such as Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), NEDA more services are offered for development of the businesses which can be obtained by the regional business community. Also, he valued the contribution of Kurunegala Women’s Chamber towards the development of regional economy.

Nilmini Tissera, President of the Kurunegala Women’s Chamber observed about the FCCISL in her welcome speech, who is the founder of the women chamber. Also, she mentioned that the Women’s Chamber was supported and nurtured by the FCCISL at the stage of the establishment.

Wasantha Senanayake, Assistant Director, Marketing and Facilitation of the NEDA (main partner) explained the programme objectives and an introduction of NEDA.

Senior officials representing floriculture sector from government organisations such as the EDB, the IDB, the Small Industry Development Section, National Plant Quarantine Center, private sector organisations and NGOs participated. The convention attracted more than 100 participants ranging from flower growers, exporters, suppliers and members of floriculture associations. After an open discussion on the BDS services, industrial issues and solutions, a committee was formed laying out a plan to develop the floriculture sector.