Two landmark publications on cinnamon and agriculture launched at BMICH
Two landmark publications of great relevance and value, namely “Cinnamon: Botany, Agronomy, Chemistry and Industrial Applications” edited by Prof. Ranjith Senaratne and Dr. Ranjith Pathirana and “The Future of the Agriculture and the Agriculture of the Future: From Beaten Track to Untrodden Paths” edited by Prof. Ranjith Senaratne were launched at the BMICH on 30 November 2021 under the distinguished patronage of Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Hon. Minister of Plantation. The book on cinnamon is published by Springer, an internationally renowned publishing house.
The event was organised by the National Science Foundation with active support from Mr. Ranjith Dayananda, former President of the Institute of Chemistry.
It was attended by scientists from academia and R&D institutions and leading producers, processors and exporters of cinnamon and agricultural products. The event was sponsored by Mr. D.A. Perera, Chairman of the Spice Council.
Prof. Senaratne gave an overview of the two books while Dr. Pathirana who joined online from Australia dealt with the challenges and opportunities for enhancing the global footprint of Ceylon cinnamon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Hon. Minister while thanking the editors for bringing out those timely books, reiterated his commitment to promoting the cinnamon industry and assured his fullest support and cooperation to the scientists and industry in this connection.
Dr. A.P. Heenkenda, Director General, Dept. of Export Agriculture, Mr. Sarada de Silva, Founder Chairman of the Spice Council and Cinnamon Training Academy, Mr. Rizvi Zaheed, Chairman of Agripreneurs’ Forum delivered speeches on how to enhance the viability and competitiveness of the cinnamon industry in particular and agriculture in general in Sri Lanka.
Contributors to both the books constitute internationally renowned senior scientists and academics with hands on experience as well as movers and shakers from industry, thereby striking a right balance between theory and practice. Therefore, they will be valuable source books for students, teachers, scientists, planners, policy makers, agriculturists, and industrialists.
The two books are available for sale at Expographic Books Private Ltd. at 455, Pannipitiya Road, Pelawatta, Battaramulla.