The All Island Dairy Association extended its heartfelt congratulations to the new NPP government for winning both recent elections and in particular welcomes the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Livestock development, Land & Irrigation – K.D Lal Kantha – while pledging their full support to him. AIDA serves as the central forum for consensus building amongst different stakeholders within the dairy industry and develops the local dairy industry as a key sector of the national economy. AIDA members consist of individuals or firms engaged in farming, producing, processing, importing of dairy products and providing associated services. More than 20 leading companies representing above sub sectors of the dairy industry are members of AIDA.
Mr. Asoka Bandara, President of the All-Island Dairy Association said, “On behalf of the All Island Dairy Association, we extend a heartfelt welcome to the new Minister of Agriculture, Livestock development, Land & Irrigation – K.D Lal Kantha. We are optimistic about the fresh perspectives and initiatives Minister K. D Lal Kantha will bring to this vital industry as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We are eager to collaborate with his ministry to enhance sustainable practices, support our dairy farmers and drive innovation across the sector. We congratulate the Minister on this significant role and look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue that will shape the future of agriculture in Sri Lanka. We remain confident that his leadership will be instrumental in empowering the agricultural community, fostering resilience and ensuring that our dairy industry continues to thrive.”
As part of its services, AIDA influences government policies that impact the sector’s growth and prosperity. Its services encompass engaging with and representing dairy farmers, lobbying for improved government support, and promoting transparency within the dairy value chain. The Association also collects and analyses industry data to inform policy decisions and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, such as optimizing milk collection and transport processes.
AIDA has been instrumental in enhancing the dairy sector’s sustainability and profitability. Developing an independent farmgate milk pricing formula is crucial, alongside engaging educational institutions and government to create relevant training programmes. AIDA facilitates on-farm investments by providing financing solutions and reduces input costs through bulk purchasing of key commodities for its members. Its future plans include workshops and networking events, ICT solutions, and to drive consumer demand through dairy promotions and school milk programmes while improving product quality via cold-chain education campaigns.
AIDA was formed in February 2017 under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the leading business chamber in Sri Lanka, to fulfil a long-felt need to have an organized trade body to facilitate deliberations on matters of relevance to the dairy sector, reach consensus and lobby their issues/concerns with policy makers. The Association has since grown to be the leading voice of the Sri Lankan dairy industry, driving growth, profitability and an attractive business environment through advocacy, service provision and fair representation of all stakeholders.