COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, August 21, 2025 (ePRESS) – John Keells Holdings (JKH) Consumer Foods Sector, which includes Ceylon Cold Stores (CCS) and Keells Food Products PLC (KFP), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Peradeniya to drive research and innovation in Sri Lanka’s food and beverage industry.
The partnership will link academia with industry, giving undergraduate and postgraduate students opportunities to work on industry-focused research. In return, JKH Consumer Foods will gain access to academic expertise, laboratory facilities and product trial support. Both sides expect the collaboration to promote knowledge exchange, improve manufacturing processes and develop new products.
“We believe true innovation lies at the intersection of industry and academia,” said Daminda Gamlath, President of JKH Consumer Foods. “This partnership is a significant step in bridging that gap. It will allow us to explore and develop solutions in food science and technology, while also nurturing young talent and integrating research into our operations.”
The MoU was signed in the presence of Prof. Terrance Madhujith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Prof. Barana Jayawardana, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and senior academics. From JKH Consumer Foods, Daminda Gamlath was joined by Sanjeewa Jayasundara, Head of Supply Chain – CCS; Viranga Wickramarathna, CEO – KFP; along with R&D Heads Udaya Padmakumara (CCS) and Nirosh Lalantha (KFP).
JKH said the initiative is part of its broader effort to embed research-led practices within its value chain and contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s food and beverage sector through sustained academic partnerships.
