Companies in agriculture and fibre sectors acknowledgedfor contribution to economy

Nationally significant export contributions by companies in the Hayleys Group have been acknowledged with five awards and a Certificate of Merit at the recently concluded Presidential Export Awards. Three Hayleys Group companies in the agriculture and fibre sectors secured awards, with HJS Condiments ‐‐ the largest Sri Lankan exporter of fruit and vegetables ‐‐ winning three awards for Outstanding Export Performance in the Non–Traditional Product and Services category – Agricultural Products for 2007, 2008 and 2009. Rileys (Pvt) Ltd. ‐‐ one of the world’s largest manufacturers of coir and rubber based floor mats for homes, gardens and industry ‐‐ received a Presidential Export Award for Outstanding Export Performance in the Non–Traditional Products and Services category – Fibre Products Sector for 2007, while Ravi Industries Ltd. ‐‐ one of the region’s largest brush manufacturers ‐‐ was presented with a Presidential Export Award for Outstanding Export Performance in the Non–Traditional Products and Services category – Fibre Products Sector for 2008. The company also received a Certificate of Merit in the same category for 2007.

The 19th edition of the Presidential Export Awards organised by the Export Development Board (EDB) was held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to honour exporters who played a significant role in the economic development of Sri Lanka in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Minister of Industries and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen and Chairman of the EDB, Janaka Ratnayake were among the other dignitaries who attended the event.
HJS Condiments accounts for 43 per cent of the country’s exports of fruit and vegetables, and exports locally‐grown Gherkins, Silver Skin Onions, Chillies, Red Bell Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, Spanish Peppers, Pineapple, Papaya, Mango, Banana and Cashew in value added form to 32 countries. The company is a major supplier to renowned international brands such as McDonalds, Burger King, Hungry Jacks, Subway, Unilever and Heinz. It also serves leading global supermarket brands as well as the food service sector.

The company has received several awards including the Gold Award for Marketing in the ‘Large’ category at the National Agri Business Awards 2010, the Gold Award for National Export Excellence 2003 and the Presidential Export Award 2005 for its contribution to the agriculture and export sectors.