Deputy Minister of Industry Chathuranga Abeysinghe says there is an urgent need to revive Sri Lanka’s sugar industry, describing the effort as a national priority tied to economic sustainability and rural livelihoods.
In a post shared on Facebook, Abeysinghe noted the recent public attention on locally produced brown sugar and urged citizens to look beyond market debates to recognize its broader value.
He recalled the industry’s robust performance in the 1980s and attributed its decline to “inefficiency, neglect, and corruption,” despite the continued efforts of institutions like the Sugarcane Research Institute.
Abeysinghe said over 100,000 families rely on sugarcane cultivation in areas such as Monaragala, with many more employed in processing. He also highlighted the industry’s role in producing ethanol and compost fertilizer, which contribute to the local liquor sector and agricultural sustainability, respectively.
“The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to reviving the sugar industry—making it profitable, efficient through technology, free from corruption, and high in yield,” he stated.
While acknowledging current challenges, including VAT impacts and market manipulation in the ethanol trade, Abeysinghe said efforts are underway to stabilize prices, improve sales channels, and secure consistent purchases from farmers.
Full statement:
Understanding the Value of Sri Lanka’s Blood Sugar
Within just a few days, the locally produced brown sugar has captured national attention — for good or bad. But beyond the noise, we must take a moment to understand what this brown sugar truly means to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s sugar industry once stood strong. In the 1980s, it performed efficiently and contributed meaningfully to the economy. However, decades of inefficiency, neglect, and corruption led to its decline. Despite the dedicated efforts of institutions such as the Sugarcane Research Institute, progress was stalled — largely because there was no sustained political will to grow this industry into a self-sufficient market.
Meanwhile, sugar imports became a permanent fixture in our daily consumption. And even though we all know, deep down, that locally produced brown sugar is healthier and safer, we’ve ignored how vital it could be for our economy.
A strong sugar industry builds an economy within itself. Take Monaragala for example — there is no other major industry that sustains livelihoods in that region as the sugar industry does. Over 100,000 families depend on sugarcane cultivation. Thousands more work in sugar processing.
And it’s not just about sugar. From this process, we also produce ethanol — a critical input for our local liquor industry — and compost fertilizer, further enhancing agricultural sustainability. Without local ethanol, we’d have to import it, draining more foreign exchange.
Each kilogram of locally produced brown sugar represents more than just a price tag. It represents livelihoods, industries, and national resilience.
Some might argue it’s easier to import sugar and close the local industry altogether. But that’s not an option — too many lives depend on this value chain. That’s why the Government of Sri Lanka is committed to reviving the sugar industry: making it profitable, efficient through technology, free from corruption, and high in yield.
Yes, the Lanka Sugar Company is currently facing challenges — remnants of past mismanagement and market manipulation, especially in the ethanol trade. The newly introduced VAT has also made local sugar less competitive, slowing down sales. But despite these challenges, the company, together with the Ministry of Industries, is working tirelessly to strengthen sales channels, stabilize prices, and ensure continuous purchases from farmers.
Reviving an industry is not easy. Closing one down is. But the leadership of Lanka Sugar, along with the support of the government and the public, is determined to rebuild this essential national industry — one that feeds families, strengthens local economies, and offers a healthier alternative to imported white sugar.
Let us all understand the gravity of the situation — this is not merely about a balance sheet or a profit margin. It is about safeguarding livelihoods, protecting our industries, and ensuring that Sri Lanka stands on its own feet once again.
Reviving Sri Lanka’s sugar industry is not just an economic choice — it’s a national duty. (Newswire)