Lanka Sugar Launches Its First Brown Sugar Outlet in Nugegoda

Lanka Sugar Company, which operates under the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development, has opened its very first brown sugar outlet in Nugegoda on November 11.

The new retail initiative is designed to make locally refined brown sugar from the company’s Pelwatte and Sevanagala factories more accessible to Sri Lankan consumers at fair prices.

This marks a significant milestone for the state-run company, as it establishes a retail presence for the first time in 14 years. The launch also follows recent speculation regarding the potential closure or privatization of its sugar factories—claims the company has strongly refuted.

Industry and Enterprise Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti described the occasion as a “turning point” for Lanka Sugar, announcing that from January 1, the government will exempt the company from statutory payments to strengthen its financial footing and competitiveness.

The new retail network is expected to benefit over 250,000 sugarcane farming families by ensuring a more stable and direct market for their harvests.

Located on Nawala Road, Nugegoda, the first outlet will offer brown sugar both in bulk and retail quantities. It will also feature a variety of sugarcane-based products, including jaggery, treacle, and beverages.

The launch event brought together a number of distinguished guests, including Deputy Minister of Trade and Food Security R. M. Jayawardena, members of Parliament, ministry officials, Lanka Sugar Chairperson Sandamali Chandrasekara, local government representatives, and sugarcane growers.