The Cabinet has approved a proposal making it mandatory for all state institutions to use only brown sugar in food production.
Currently, around 56,000 metric tonnes of brown sugar are produced annually by the Pelwatte and Sevanagala factories operating under Lanka Sugar Company (Pvt) Ltd. Due to a successful sugarcane harvest this year, production has exceeded that figure.
The government said the move aims to further popularise high-quality, locally produced brown sugar among consumers, while supporting the sustainable growth of Sri Lanka’s domestic brown sugar industry.
The proposal also recognises the importance of protecting the livelihoods of factory employees, sugarcane farmers, and those providing direct and indirect services to the industry by increasing opportunities to sell brown sugar within the local market.
Accordingly, all state institutions — including the three armed forces, Sri Lanka Police, the Department of Prisons, and government hospitals — will now be required to use only brown sugar for food preparation.
In addition, Sathosa will directly purchase brown sugar from Lanka Sugar Company (Pvt) Ltd. and make it available to consumers. The Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development to implement these measures.
