Cargills (Ceylon) Limited held an evening of fellowship at Water’s Edge, Battaramulla, where selected invitees were asked to share in the vision of Cargills in its effort to build the nation.
Ranjit Page, CEO of Cargills, in his speech, highlighted the contribution of Cargills in uplifting the outlook for rural Sri Lanka, especially those of the aspiring youth. Cargills employs 5000 individuals of which 80% are below the age of 25. According to Page, “This is a clear indication of our rural thrust. We are a company driven by young blood from rural Sri Lanka and we are committed to building this force into a professional and skilled outfit.”
Page went on to describe the Albert A Page Institute of Food Business and its activities. “The training they receive would give them comprehensive knowledge on the food business and secure lucrative jobs anywhere in the world. At Cargills, through our Institute, we add value and dignity to our most valuable asset, labour. We are confident we can address the plight of our unskilled labour force by elevating their status in the international job market.”
“The training they receive would give them comprehensive knowledge on the food business and secure lucrative jobs anywhere in the world. At Cargills, through our Institute, we add value and dignity to our most valuable asset, labour.”
Chief guest, Robert O Blake, the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, in his address, told the audience of his integration into Colombo upon his arrival and subsequent confusion of Cargills with its similar namesake retail giant in the USA.
Cargills also showcased its recent Rs 300 mn investment in upgrading its Cargills Quality Foods meat processing plant, a symbol of Cargill’s commitment towards quality and food safety.
The event also saw the presentation of a number of ISO Quality Management System Certifications for both Cargills Quality Dairies and Cargills Quality Foods.
Page ended his address by saying, “Today we buy our rice, fruits, and vegetables, milk and livestock from our farmer network spread across 19 districts. We give them a guaranteed market, and a price with extensive technical, technological and financial support. This has led the way for others to match our commitment to the farming community, by creating a highly viable market for them.
Also present on the occasion were Sarath Amunugama, Minister for Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, Ajith Nivard Cabral, Governor of the Central Bank, Parliamentarian Arjuna Ranatunga, Directors of Cargills, senior executive staff of Cargills, Cargills distributors, and a number of distinguished invitees.
Photo Caption – Sarath Amunugama, Minister for Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, Ajith Nivard Cabral, Governor of the Central Bank, Robert O Blake, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ranjit Page, CEO of Cargills
