The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) hosted a high-level meeting on August 1, 2025, with a delegation from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to discuss the progress of Audit of poultry slaughter houses and further discussions on enabling Sri Lankan poultry exports to Singapore. The meeting was chaired by EDB Chairman/CEO Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe and attended by Director General Ms. Champika D. Dharmasena, senior EDB officials, as well as the senior officials from the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation.
The SFA delegation included senior officials: Mr. Herman Teo, Deputy Director, Joint Operations Division; Ms. Low Bee Leng, Senior Assistant Director, Joint Operations Division; Dr. M. Yoganandhini, Veterinarian, Regulatory Standards & Veterinary Office; and Mr. Alex Chen, Manager, Southwest Regional Office.
The Department of Animal Production and Health was represented by Director General Dr. Hemali Kothalawala, Additional Director General Dr. H. Kothalawala, and other technical experts. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land & Irrigation was represented by Dr. Palika Fernando, Additional Secretary (Livestock Development).
The discussions built on two recent SFA inspection missions to Sri Lanka. The first visit, conducted in March 2024, covered New Anthony’s Farm, NELNA Farm, and Ceylon Grain Elevators. The second visit, held from July 28 to August 1, included audits of DAPH, Pussella Farm, Jaya Farm, and Bairaha Farms PLC.
Sri Lanka’s potential to supply high-quality poultry products was emphasized, backed by its disease-free status, strategic geographic position, and competitive product offerings. In 2024, Sri Lanka exported poultry products worth USD 5.4 million reflecting a 37% year-on-year increase to destinations including the Maldives, Qatar, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan. Efforts are also underway to enter the Chinese market.
EDB and DAPH have shortlisted several Sri Lankan companies for potential export to Singapore, and the necessary applications have already been submitted to the SFA. Key discussion points included meeting Singapore’s rigorous food safety standards and outlining the regulatory requirements for Sri Lankan exporters to secure market access.
Both parties underscored the importance of close cooperation. The SFA’s engagement and DAPH’s leadership in ensuring regulatory compliance were commended as pivotal to achieving successful market entry. This initiative represents a significant step in deepening bilateral agricultural trade and diversifying Sri Lanka’s export portfolio.
Officials concluded the meeting with optimism that Sri Lankan poultry products will soon gain approval for export to Singapore, paving the way for stronger economic ties and expanded opportunities for agri-trade collaboration.
