The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, organized Sri Lanka’s participation in Anuga Select India 2026, held in Mumbai from 29 September to 1 October 2026.
Anuga Select India is a leading business-to-business platform for the food and beverage industry, bringing together producers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, food service providers and foreign trade agencies.
Five Sri Lankan companies representing the tea, spices, coconut products and processed food sectors participated in the exhibition, showcasing a range of authentic Sri Lankan products to the Indian market. The Sri Lanka Pavilion attracted retailers, importers, distributors, hospitality and food service professionals, other industry stakeholders, and international exhibitors and buyers throughout the three-day event.
The Sri Lankan exhibitors also participated in a business matchmaking session organized at the Consulate General in collaboration with business chambers in Mumbai on 28 September 2026, facilitating further business contacts. Nature’s Basket, a reputed Indian supermarket chain, was among the prospective buyers connected with the participating companies.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion also promoted Sri Lanka Expo 2027, with several potential buyers registering their interest during the exhibition.
The participating companies expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to explore the Indian market and establish new business contacts. They also noted the particularly strong interest shown in Ceylon Cinnamon, highlighting the potential for Sri Lankan food and agricultural products in the Indian market.
The Department of Commerce (DOC) convened a stakeholder meeting on 24 September 2026 to assess Sri Lanka’s readiness to meet the requirements of the European Union’s (EU) draft regulation on Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food, scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2027.
The meeting brought together representatives from relevant government agencies, research institutions, chambers of commerce and food testing laboratories to review existing testing capacity, identify gaps and discuss measures required to support continued access to the EU market.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Mr. Somasena Mahadiulwewa, the Director General of Commerce (Actg.) highlighted the importance of preparing exporters for evolving EU regulatory requirements, including those relating to MOAH, pesticide Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs), packaging and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Given the importance of the EU as a major destination for Sri Lankan exports, the need to strengthen national preparedness and support exporters in meeting these requirements was emphasized.
Discussions highlighted that local capacity for MOAH testing remains limited, resulted exporters to rely on accredited overseas laboratories. Establishing local testing facilities would require significant investment in specialized equipment, certification, technical expertise and operational capacity. Participants therefore emphasized the need to explore practical approaches to strengthen national testing capabilities, while utilizing accredited overseas laboratories as an interim solution.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of research and reliable data on MOAH levels, potential sources and appropriate mitigation measures in relevant export products. Participants agreed that prevention and mitigation should form an integral part of the long-term approach, supported by increased awareness among exporters and manufacturers.
As follow-up actions, relevant authorities will engage with public and private laboratories to assess the requirements for establishing local MOAH testing capacity and review international approaches that could be adapted to the Sri Lankan context. Discussions will also be held with international partners to explore technical assistance, including support for equipment, testing services, capacity building and training.
A comprehensive awareness programme will also be conducted for exporters, manufacturers and other stakeholders to enhance understanding of MOAH, applicable requirements, testing procedures and measures to minimize MOAH levels in export products, with the participation of EU subject-matter experts.
These initiatives are expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s preparedness to meet evolving EU food-safety requirements, support exporters in maintaining compliance and facilitate the continued access of Sri Lankan products to international markets.
The Department of Commerce reaffirmed its commitment to working closely in this regard with government institutions, trade chambers, the private sector, research organizations and other stakeholders to strengthen Sri Lanka’s capacity to meet emerging international requirements and support the uninterrupted access of Sri Lankan export products to the EU market
