📈 Cabinet Approves Sri Lanka's First Zero-Waste Cinnamon Processing Centre

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of a Centralised Zero-Waste Biomass Cinnamon Processing Centre at the University of Ruhuna's Mapalana Faculty of Agriculture to boost the country's spice and cinnamon sector. • Key Objective: The initiative aims to support small-scale cultivators, particularly in the Matara and Galle districts, by addressing high processing costs, improving compliance with sanitary standards, and utilizing biomass waste. • Execution: The project will be implemented in four phases over a 27-month period. It is a joint effort between the Science and Technology Ministry, the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), and the University of Ruhuna. • Economic Context: Cinnamon is a vital agricultural export for Sri Lanka. By introducing zero-waste biomass technologies, this project aims to drive sustainability, lower production barriers for smallholders, and enhance the value of agricultural byproducts.