Sri Lanka’s first Temperature and Humidity Controlled Warehouse Complex for Perishables will be opened in Dambulla in October this year, says Non-Cabinet Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Dr. Harsha de Silva.
This state-of-the art cold storage complex with a capacity of 5,000 metric tons comprises six separated chambers of different temperature and humidity levels, he disclosed.
The Indian government has provided a grant of Rs.300 million and the Sri Lanka government had to bear the balance cost of Rs.225 million, he added.
This cold storage complex is being built in an area of seven acres in close proximity to the Dambulla Economic Centre.
It has a capacity of 5000 metric tons capable of storing the excess harvest of vegetables and fruits.
The project was initiated by Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Ministry in a great Leap Forward for Farmer’s Life’.
This initiative will benefit the farming community by reducing post-harvest losses and wastage, particularly in peak season. It will also ensure delivery of good quality agro produce to consumers.
This project is a continuation of Government of India’s efforts to partner with the Government of Sri Lanka in people-oriented community development projects.
Followed by this project, there will be similar agro-storage complexes constructed in Keppetipola covering the Central Province, Jaffna covering the Northern Province, Embilipitiya covering the Southern Province.
(LI)