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

The Island

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June 02, 2025

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

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

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.

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