A vision for Sri Lanka: Ranjit Page's emotional call to empower villages through Kotmale Dairy

The Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo was charged with emotion on the morning of May 29 as Cargills PLC Deputy Chairman Ranjit Page delivered a speech that transcended corporate rhetoric weaving patriotism, sacrifice, and a bold vision for rural empowerment into a narrative that left the audience deeply moved.

- BY SANATH NANAYAKKARE

Hundreds of dairy industry stakeholders and media personnel listened in rapt attention as Page honored Sri Lanka's unsung heroes: the village youth who laid down their lives on the frontlines to bring peace to the nation. His words struck such a profound chord that murmurs spread through the crowd: “If there were an award for the most stirring corporate speech, it would unquestionably belong to Ranjit Page.”

Page began by reflecting on Cargills' 181-year legacy, from its humble beginnings in 1844 to its evolution into a retail giant with over 500 outlets today. But the heart of his speech lay not in corporate milestones instead, in a 'moment of reckoning' after the war ended in 2009.