EDB-NOCU conduct islandwide awareness campaign

Participants

As part of its strategic islandwide campaign, the National Organic Control Unit (NOCU), the country’s official authority for organic agriculture coming under the purview of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), successfully conducted its second awareness programme for 2025, at Hotel Swissdale, Matale, drawing close to 100 participants representing diverse sectors of the agriculture industry. 

The event featured a series of interactive sessions designed to enhance participants’ understanding of organic farming practices, processing methods, Sri Lankan and international organic standards, certification procedures and market opportunities. The attendees, including farmers, exporters, processors and government officials, gained practical knowledge essential for aligning with the global trends and meeting the growing demand for certified organic products.

Agriculture Department Assistant Director Dr. Priyanga Dissanayaka and Control Union Inspections Certifier Kasun Geeganage shared their expertise and insights with the participants at the event. 

EDB Deputy Directors Jayalath Hewage (Central Province Office) and Gayani Wijayathilaka (Export Agriculture Division) addressed the gathering while NOCU Assistant Director Vinoka Perera and Export Promotion Officer Lasith Jayawardana provided useful information. The event was organised under the guidance of the EDB Central Province office.

The national programme led by the NOCU is considered an important initiative in terms of shifting to sustainable agriculture in the country. With the global move towards safer, more sustainable food sources, the credibility of organic labels has become a vital priority. Against such a backdrop, the NOCU is focused on building a reliable and transparent organic value chain, which ensures the integrity of products across the supply chain, whether produced locally, imported or exported. 

Through regulatory oversight and education, the NOCU helps the stakeholders to meet stringent standards while empowering Sri Lankan producers to compete effectively on the international stage. To amplify its impact, the NOCU has planned four comprehensive awareness programmes across the country in 2025. These initiatives aim to strengthen knowledge, foster compliance with organic certification requirements and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly practices across the agriculture sector.