CIC wins national award for most innovative agriculture research work done in Sri Lanka

CIC Holdings PLC was adjudged the winner of the most innovative research in the Non-Plantation Agriculture sector by the Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP) at a ceremony held at Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Colombo recently. The awarding ceremony followed a competition organised by the SLCARP in a bid to recognise exceptional contributions made by individuals and organisations in public and private sectors in the field of agriculture research. 

Senior Research Consultant Dr. Sumith Abeysiriwardena receiving the award from SLCARP Chairman Dr. Gerry Jayawardena, Ministry of Agriculture State Secretary Bandulasena and Ministry of Agriculture Secretary B. Wijayaratne

NGOs, private sector organisations, scientists, research institutions, departments and universities participated in the competition which awarded high flyers under three distinct categories namely Plantation Agriculture and Forestry, Non-Plantation Agriculture as well as Livestock and Fisheries. The SLCARP the apex body that spearheads agriculture research in Sri Lanka conducted this competition after calling application for research project conducted in Sri Lanka within last three years. CIC emerged the winner of the Non-Plantation Agriculture category winning a cash prize of Rs. 200,000. 

Operating a versatile and highly diversified Agri business in the country CIC Agri Businesses has ventured into agriculture research and development (R&D) since 2006 and has developed superior quality rice to the local and export markets. CIC won the first prize in recognition of its three premier rice varieties developed and marketed namely Fragrant Red Basmati, CIC White Basmati and CIC Purple Mix. These rice varieties are not only pleasantly aromatic, but also contain low Glycemic Index that makes them ideal for health conscious individuals, especially those suffering from diabetes or those concerned over controlling sugar levels in their diet. Rice R&D work of CIC Agri business is supervised by Dr. Sumith Abeysiriwardena, Research consultant of the company. CIC Agri business has now expanded its R&D activities for vegetable sector as well and expects to release to the market a couple of high yielding vegetable hybrids in the near future. 

CIC is a leading blue chip conglomerate in Sri Lanka with decades-long heritage. Its business portfolio extends into the areas of Agri Produce, Health and Personal Care, Livestock Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Crop Solutions.