As part of its strategic island-wide 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 program 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. Attendees, including farmers, exporters, processors, and government officials, gained practical knowledge essential for aligning with global trends and meeting the growing demand for certified organic products.
Dr. Priyanga Dissanayaka, Assistant Director - Department of Agriculture, and Mr. Kasun Geeganage, Certifier - Control Union Inspections, shared their expertise and insights with the participants at the event. On behalf of the EDB, Deputy Directors Mr. Jayalath Hewage (Central Province Office) and Ms. Gayani Wijayathilaka (Export Agriculture Division) addressed the gathering while Assistant Director Ms. Vinoka Perera and Export Promotion Officer Mr. Lasith Jayawardana from NOCU provided useful information. The event was organized under the guidance of the EDB Central Province Office.
The national program led by 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. With such a backdrop, 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, NOCU helps stakeholders to meet stringent standards while empowering Sri Lankan producers to compete effectively on the international stage. To amplify its impact, NOCU has planned four comprehensive awareness programs 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.
Sri Lanka’s potential in organic agriculture is significant, and targeted awareness efforts play a crucial role in unlocking that potential. Since its establishment in 2014, NOCU has been a key driver in advancing the nation’s organic agriculture framework as well as supporting the growth of a sustainable, trustworthy, and export-ready organic industry.
