Co-operative movement’s future discussed under President Wickremesinghe’s patronage

A special meeting to discuss the future direction of the co-operative movement in Sri Lanka was recently convened by the Sri Lanka National Co-Operative Board under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

Held at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC), the event saw participation from prominent figures including Sanasa Movement Founder Dr. P.A. Kiriwandeniya, who represented Sanasa alongside other officials.

Among the other attendees were Trade, Commerce and Food Safety Minister Nalin Fernando, Mass Media State Minister Shantha Bandara, Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, and several other Ministers. Additionally, the event drew a significant number of participants from the cooperative and related sectors, including A.D. Sarath Weerasiri, who represented the Sri Lanka National Co-Operative Board. 

Speaking at the event, Dr. Kiriwandeniya emphasised the challenges surrounding the identity of the co-operative movement in Sri Lanka, noting the need for a clear solution. He called on the President and other authorities to prioritise the establishment of a co-operative system that remains independent of external influences. 

In response, President Wickremesinghe expressed his appreciation for Dr. Kiriwandeniya’s efforts in empowering the people and affirmed his intention to engage in further discussions with him to address the challenges faced by the co-operative sector.