SAPPTA holds 41st Annual General Meeting

The Spices and Allied Products Producers’ and Traders’ Association (SAPPTA) held its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently, at The Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo.

The event was graced by High Commission of India Head of the Economic and Commercial Wing Devika Lal as the chief guest. The AGM was attended by leading exporters, producers, processors, dealers and service providers, reaffirming the SAPPTA’s role in shaping Sri Lanka’s spice industry.

In his address, the outgoing Chairman Christopher Fernando reflected on the association’s achievements and challenges over the past year and thanked the members for their unwavering support.

The following office bearers were elected for the year 2025/2026:

• Chairman Ryan Rambukwella, Country Head – Sri Lanka, Synthite Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd
• First Vice Chairman – Jeewantha Madushan, Imperial Spices (Pvt.) Ltd
• Second Vice Chairman – Chanaka Gunathilake, Link Natural Products (Pvt.) Ltd

Delivering his inaugural speech, Rambukwella highlighted the resilience of Sri Lanka’s spice sector, noting significant achievements such as higher yields of black pepper and Ceylon Cinnamon as well as the recognition of Ceylon Cinnamon by the EU through its Geographical Indication status. 

He stressed the importance of adopting best practices, investing in value addition and strengthening collaboration with India under the ISFTA framework, particularly in addressing quota and cross-border trade challenges. Rambukwella emphasised, “This AGM is both a reflection of our journey and a renewal of our purpose. As we honour our past, we must look ahead with confidence, collaboration and a shared vision for the future. Together, let us ensure that Sri Lanka’s spice industry not only preserves its proud place in the world but rises to even greater heights of strength, resilience and reputation.”

The third issue of the ‘Voice of Spice’ newsletter was also launched during the event.

Lal commended the SAPPTA for its continued contribution to the Sri Lankan economy and encouraged deeper bilateral trade cooperation between Sri Lanka and India, particularly in the spice sector.