‘Samaposha Wasantha Udanaya’, beyond just a New Year festival
Samaposha, the leading cereal brand of Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Ceylon Biscuits limited (CBL), which continuously advocates for nutrition and vitality among young children held their “Samaposha Wasantha Udanaya” for the 9th consecutive year in Mailagaswewa, Galenbindunuwewa, recently.
With the end-goal being to assist and uplift the livelihood of farmers and the economic stability of the farming community, Plenty Foods has succinctly introduced the ‘backward integration’ programme. Through this programme all required grains for the manufacturing of Samaposha are procured by Plenty Foods to ensure the local farming community receives a fair price value based on market rates. It is through programmes such as this that Samaposha is reputed to have nutritional value, be trustworthy and of a high standard of quality. Samaposha is 100% locally manufactured, via raw materials harvested from Samaposha’s own cultivations, ensuring products are produced to meet the nutritional standards and needs of our citizens. This has served as an effective base to collaborate and help advance our nation’s agriculture sector.
Under the ‘Govi Pawula’ initiative, the company has launched a series of programmes aimed at uplifting the nation’s farmers and their prevailing communities; ‘ Govi Sathuta’, ‘Govi Sarana’, ‘Govi Denuma’, ‘Govi Arana’ and ‘Govi Suwaya’. The ‘Samaposha Wasantha Udanaya’ instigated under the ‘Govi Sathuta’ chapter too, is geared toward assisting farmers who are working toward providing nourishment for the nation. Thus far the concluded events proved to be a roaring success as it promisingly enriched the lives of the local farmers while supporting the well-being of local agricultural community.
With unequivocally high financial backing from Samaposha to cover the entire cost of the event, Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd aims to make a difference for not only the lives of the nation’s agricultural back-bone; farmers, but also aims to continue supporting Sri Lanka’s agricultural industry. Through initiatives of this nature, the company stoically targets to make waves in the country’s agrarian economy. The success of these events were due to the support and passion exuded by the farmers and farmers’ organizations together with Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd.
With an active participation of approximately 1,000 members of the farming community, this year’s ‘Samaposha Wasantha Udanaya’ Avurudu Festival generated enthusiasm, interest and active participation in all those present at the event. The event included activities such as the crowning of the glittery and glamorous ‘Avurudu Kumariya’ and ‘Avurudu Kumaraya’, to traditional games, the ‘Samaposha Wasantha Udanaya’ was brimming with fun and frolic. Sasindu Jayaratne and Pawani Premachandra were crowned as Singithi Avurudu Kumaraya and Kuamariya, while Hashini Dulanjala became the Avurudu Kumariya of ‘Samaposha Wasantha Udanaya 2016’.
The day’s main highlight was the crowning of the ‘Samaposha Govi Raja’ (best farmer) for the dedication and contribution made throughout the year. K. N. R. Kularatne hence clinched this year’s award for the Best Farmer whilst H. H. U. Herath and R. M. N. T. Jayarathne became 2nd and 3rd runner ups, respectively. Not to forget the elderly farmers who once were the pillars of success and sustainability of the company, the Plenty Foods team presented tokens of appreciation for their immense service.
In the past, the annual event has reached out to rural farmers living in various regions of the country including Kiriibbanwewa, Mahiyanganaya, Eppawela, Galenbindunuwewa Tissamaharamaya, Bulnewa, Meegahakivula, and Thalawa Mudunegama.
“As a socially responsible organization, Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd is committed towards ensuring the well-being of the rural farming communities. It is they who supply the raw materials required to manufacture the nation’s flagship cereal, Samaposha. An annual activity, ‘Samaposha Wasantha Udanaya’ is organized to motivate these rural farmers who face severe hardships on a daily basis” stated Plenty Foods Director/Chief Executive Officer Shammi Karunaratne.
Samaposha is manufactured using only locally grown wholesome ingredients such as rice, soya, corn and green gram which are obtained by local farmers who are registered under the Backward Integration Project. Samaposha is the leading brand in the Plenty Foods portfolio; the company also manufactures energy boosting products such as 4GB, On the Go and Nutri cereals.
‘Samaposha Wasantha Udanaya’ is a much awaited annual Avurudu event designed to put a smile on the faces of the country’s rural farming community who work daily to produce the raw materials that are used to manufacture Samaposha, the leading cereal brand of Plenty Foods (Pvt.) Ltd.
