Rāgā, an innovative line of organic kithul-based products, was launched by Agri Deshiya (Pvt.) Ltd., a local company committed to elevate Sri Lanka through value-added agricultural products of Sri Lankan origin to international fame. The official launch took place on 14 December at the opening of the Agri Deshiya factory and was inaugurated by Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa, in the presence of Minister of Coconut, Kithul, and Palmyrah Cultivation Promotion Arundika Fernando and Agri Deshiya management.
Founded in 2019, bringing the best of nature to Sri Lanka and the world, Agri Deshiya utilises ethical methods in technological agriculture to enhance the industry within the agro-based economy. Through new technologies and care for people and the Earth, the company aims to enhance the country’s economy and develop an agriculturally sustainable future, through the unique raw materials found in the rich soil of the island.
The new facility located at the Nalanda Ellawala Industrial Zone in Ratnapura is equipped with state-of-the-art brewing and canning technologies, enabling Rāgā products to revolutionise one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved yet severely underutilised foods: Kithul.
Speaking to The Morning Brunch, Agri Deshiya Chairman Prabath De Alwis said: “We are extremely proud of the fact that, through Rāgā, we have not just reimagined the potential of our island nation’s underappreciated agro-resources such as Kithul, but we have also paved the way for the traditional, village-level kithul tapping trade to become an internationally recognised industry.”
As an organisation that is built on the principles of people care, Earth care, and fair share, the company has taken into consideration all aspects of the value chain, including the improvement of financial benefits for rural communities to enhance their way of life, which he commented, will benefit Sri Lanka as a whole.
Driven by local innovation, sustainability, and ethical production, De Alwis informed us that all Rāgā products are 100% natural, with no added preservatives. We were told that the technology partner, the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), has played a critical role in providing pioneering and unique technologies that have been incorporated at each step of the production process.
Talking to us about the process behind manufacturing, he commented: “These advanced mechanisms, including the first-ever Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution for the collection of kithul sap in Sri Lanka, has been put in place to ensure premium quality in every product.”
When the topic of safety and health came up, he informed us that the entire factory is also backed by internationally recognised standards such as ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management System, GMP, and HACCP certifications, in addition to the continuous quality testing conducted in-house.
They are also big on sustainable practices as the company operates with a desire to elevate Sri Lanka to its highest level of productivity through the sustainable utilisation of its natural resources. De Alwis added that, while providing benefits for all parties involved in the unique and innovative production process, they also focus on making the country a greener place.
Email: info@agrideshiya.com
Web: www.ragaceylon.lk
