Kotmale Dairy: Translating Ranjit Page's vision into action

A recent visit to Kotmale Dairy's Banduragoda plant provided a firsthand look at how the vision of a leading Sri Lankan corporate leader is being realized.

- BY SANATH NANAYAKKARE

The Banduragoda facility, the largest of Kotmale's three plants, operates under stringent global standards for sustainability and hygiene. Here, milk collected from cluster societies of dairy farmers is stored under optimal chilling conditions and processed with meticulous attention to quality. The synchronized operations within the plant resemble a well-rehearsed orchestra, ensuring that every product - from ice cream to yoghurt - reaches consumers in peak condition.

Ranjit Page, Deputy Chairman of Cargills Group, Kotmale's parent company, was deeply moved by the sacrifices of young soldiers and police officers from rural Sri Lanka who helped restore peace in the country in 2009. This reflection inspired him to establish Kotmale Dairy in 2010, with a mission to economically empower rural communities, and create a sustainable ecosystem for fresh milk and dairy products.

Since its inception, Kotmale Dairy has grown into Sri Lanka's largest fresh milk aggregator, collecting around 185,000 liters of milk daily from over 17,000 smallholder dairy farmers. By eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair farmgate prices, Kotmale provides rural families with a stable income while delivering consistent quality to consumers. This initiative not only reduces import dependency but also strengthens the national economy.