Local dairy farmers would be given all assistance to uplift the industry as it is the responsibility of the government to protect local dairy farmers, newly appointed Livestock Development Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara said.
In addition to his ministerial portfolio as the State Minister for Administration and Disaster Management, Minister Madduma Bandara also took over the Livestock Development Ministry and visited the Milco Factory in Narahenpita yesterday.
The Minister also handed over six lorries worth Rs. 5 million each and three bowsers worth around Rs. 22.8 million each to Milco during his inspection tour.
Speaking at the event, Minister Madduma Bandara said, “Currently, our daily fresh milk demand is around 1.4 million litres, but we only produce around 900,000 litres of milk per day. Milco was at a level to produce around 200,000 litres of milk per day. However, now we have been able to increase the milk production with Ambewela producing around 400,000 litres of milk per day and the new factory in Badalgama producing another 400,000 litres. Hence, our target should be to make Milco a profit-making company.”
The Minister commended the workers of Milco for not engaging in strike actions despite their grievances and salary anomalies. Hence, he assured Milco staff members that he would discuss their issues with the Milco management and staff and resolve their issues without delay.
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