Sri Lanka’s historic coconut-based exports received a new lease of life recently as a top Japanese coop-federation – also considered as a leading agro association in the world – started directly partnering with the apex export entity, the Export Development Board (EDB) to strengthen the surging sector.

The Lankan coconut sector is getting another international breakthrough with the first-ever Lankan coco peat delegation scheduled to leave for Japan this October, facilitated by the EDB.

“We welcome Japan Zen-Noh’s assistance. It is time to focus on value-added coco peat and other coconut-based exports,” stressed EDB Chairman and CEO Bandula Egodage recently in Colombo.

Egodage was addressing the visiting four-member delegation from Japanese National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (Japan Zen-Noh), which arrived to begin its Lankan partnership through coco peat export product support.

Sri Lanka’s most innovative diversified conglomerate, Hayleys PLC continues to win recognition for its dynamic role in the Sri Lankan export sector, with three group subsidiaries – HJS Condiments Ltd, (Subsidiary of Hayleys Agriculture), Haycarb PLC, and Rileys (Pvt) Ltd (subsidiary of Hayleys Eco Solutions) – winning awards at the recently concluded Presidential Export Awards 2016. Among the most prestigious domestic awards in the sector, the Presidential Export Awards are awarded by His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka to local companies in recognition of outstanding contributions towards the growth of Sri Lankan exports.

“We take great pride and encouragement from the outstanding performances of our subsidiaries at this year’s Presidential Export Awards 2016. The resounding recognition that our companies have won at this year’s event stand testament to the spirit of innovation that underlies all that we do at the Hayleys Group. “In that regard, I wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the efforts that our team has committed to during the past year. Moving forward we are confident that our subsidiaries will continue to deliver highly innovative, value-added products that bolster Sri Lanka’s export performance.” Hayleys PLC Chairman and Chief Executive, Mohan Pandithage said.

During this year’s edition of the awards, the group’s internationally renowned manufacturer/marketer of coconut shell activated carbon products and environmental engineering solutions provider, Haycarb Plc, won two awards in the Coconut Non-Kernel Products sector for Highest Value-Added Exporter and Highest Foreign Exchange Earner. Accounting for around 16% of the global market share, the company has an annual capacity of 45,000 metric tons of coconut shell based activated carbon products covering a wide range of applications spanning from water and air purification, gold extraction in the mining industry to many specialty segments.

“Haycarb has consistently and successfully developed a wide range of activated carbon-products that are making a significant positive impact on the environment through their applications in a wide variety of industries. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to our employees and customers who have been instrumental in the continued success of the company,” Haycarb Managing Director, Haycarb PLC, Rajitha Kariyawasan said.

Similarly, HJS Condiments received the Overall Special Award for Highest Contributor to the Supply Chain in the Region for Exports, in recognition of its remarkable efforts to pioneer innovative new ranges of products. Currently, the company manufactures a highly diverse range of product categories spanning pickled gherkins to fruit juices, coconut-based beverages, moringa value-added products and a large variety of other condiments using organic, locally sourced agricultural produce.

“It has been another landmark year for HJS Condiments and our recent award further reinforces our position as one of the country’s most innovative producers of value-added agricultural products bringing significant benefits to all supply-chain partners. With the continued support of our dedicated team of employees, supply partners, customers and the valuable oversight of the Hayleys Group, we will continue to move to greater heights.” Managing Director, Hayleys Agriculture, Rizvi Zaheed said. Meanwhile, Rileys has adjudged Highest Value Added Exporter – Giftware and Lifestyle Products. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes a wide range of doormats and floor coverings which are sold in many reputed retailers and DIY stores worldwide. “The recognition that Rileys received at the recent Presidential Export Awards 2016 stands as a further affirmation of our team’s successful efforts to deliver innovative value-added products to our customers. With our dedicated team, and continued support from our customers we are confident of reaching even greater heights in the future,” Managing Director, Hayleys Eco Solutions, Chrishan Mendis stated.