President’s visit ignites Ambewela Dairy Farm’s next big leap in milk production

Ambewela Dairy Farm, a household name for dairy goodness, and renowned for its state-of-the-art technology and commitment to advancing dairy production, recently welcomed President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

This special visit marked the President’s return to the farm following his inspection tour in December 2022. During his previous visit, President Wickremesinghe issued directives that initiated a comprehensive development drive at Ambewela, propelling the farm towards significant advancements.

Upon his arrival, President Wickremesinghe was warmly received by the Management Committee of Ambewela Dairy Farm, along with the dedicated staff. The President inspected the premises and reviewed the progress of the new development initiatives, noting the leaps that have been made, and the farm’s important contribution to the national economy. The President’s engagement with the staff and interaction with local and foreign tourists underscored his commitment to understanding and supporting the farm’s development.

During the Presidential visit, the management committee took the opportunity to highlight the transformation of Ambewela Farm since its establishment in 1943 and privatisation in 2001. He explained how the farm has undergone extensive modernisation, establishing itself as the leading centre, both in Sri Lanka and across South Asia, for advanced dairy production and farm technology utilisation. The team also expressed gratitude to President Wickremesinghe for his unwavering support, which has been pivotal in shaping the farm’s development trajectory.

Reflecting on the President’s visit in December 2022, it was revealed that the daily milk production at that time was approximately 40,000 litres. However, as a result of subsequent modernisation initiatives, under the guidance of President Wickremasinghe, the farm is now on track to achieve a daily milk production of 52,000 litres by the end of the year, marking a significant 30% increase. Meanwhile, the farm aims to reach an annual production capacity of 20 million litres through these gradual increases, driven by the development of high-quality dairy cow breeds and the automation of all livestock management activities.

Commenting on the Presidential visit, the management said: “It was an honour to welcome President Wickremasinghe once again. His keen insights have genuinely added value to our development initiatives. Ambewela Dairy Farm’s progress is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in dairy production. We have invested heavily in advanced technologies and mechanised processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. With President Wickremesinghe’s continued support, we are confident in our ability to achieve our ambitious production goals and further contribute to Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.”

In line with the President’s directives during his recent visit, Ambewela Dairy Farm has already started evaluating how it can further increase milk production and expand output by introducing the latest technologies and improved state-of-the-art facilities. This strategic move aims to bolster the farm’s capacity and enhance its contribution to the national dairy industry. The farm has also opened its doors for research and experiential learning, offering students from Sri Lankan universities valuable hands-on experience.

Ambewela Dairy Farm also continues to attract a significant number of tourists, with efforts made to enhance visitor facilities and ensure an enriching experience. On one notable day this year, the farm welcomed 9,000 visitors, reflecting its growing popularity. These initiatives underscore the farm’s commitment to excellence and its role as a leader in the dairy industry. The ongoing support and strategic direction provided by President Wickremesinghe remain crucial in driving the farm’s future success and its contributions to the national economy.