In a landmark move to enhance regional collaboration in the livestock and poultry sectors, the Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India, in association with the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) and the World Poultry Science Association – Sri Lanka Branch (WPSA-SL), hosted the India–Sri Lanka Livestock Meet on July 1 and 2, 2025. The two-day event marked the formal initiation of an institutional dialogue between the two countries, setting the stage for cooperation in critical areas such as animal health, feed and nutrition innovation, veterinary research, policy harmonization, and capacity-building.
The event witnessed participation from senior dignitaries and institutional leaders from both nations. Representing Sri Lanka were Dr Palika Fernando, Additional Secretary (Livestock Development) at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, and Dr Sulakshana Jayawardana, Director General – Treasury at the Ministry of Financial Planning and Economic Development, along with key representatives from SLVA and WPSA-SL. On the Indian side, the CLFMA delegation was led by Chairman Divya Kumar Gulati and included Deputy Chairman Naveen Pasuparthy, Honorary Secretary Nissar F. Mohammed, Treasurer R. Ramkutty, President – East Zone Sameer Chotai, International Liaison Committee Member Jaison John, and Executive Director Colonel Vinay Kumar.
Proceedings began on July 1 with an informal coordination meeting between SLVA, WPSA-SL, and CLFMA’s Sri Lanka coordination team. The relaxed environment facilitated open, solution-oriented discussions and laid the foundation for future alignment. Later in the evening, during a networking dinner, Gulati extended a formal invitation to the Sri Lankan delegation to attend CLFMA’s upcoming 66th National Symposium and 58th Annual General Meeting, scheduled for August 22–23, 2025, at Hotel Taj Deccan, Hyderabad. The invitation was warmly accepted by the Sri Lankan representatives.
The formal sessions on July 2 began with a welcome address by Gulati, who shared CLFMA’s mission, its recent initiatives, and long-term vision for regional cooperation. This was followed by a detailed presentation by Colonel Vinay Kumar, showcasing CLFMA’s impact on India’s livestock value chain. Discussions during the day centered on mutual interests such as livestock breeding, nutritional advancements, veterinary research, and knowledge exchange. There was a strong consensus on the need to convert this bilateral initiative into a structured and sustained partnership.
Speaking at the event, Gulati remarked, “This meet is not just a bilateral engagement—it’s a platform for creating long-term value for the livestock and poultry sectors of both countries. We see immense potential for joint R&D, policy advocacy, and trade cooperation, and we are committed to deepening this collaboration.” Echoing the sentiment, Dr Fernando stated, “There is tremendous scope for India–Sri Lanka cooperation in livestock breeding, feed innovation, and veterinary sciences. We appreciate CLFMA’s proactive approach and look forward to institutionalizing this partnership.”
The India–Sri Lanka Livestock Meet marks a significant step forward in fostering innovation, shared learning, and sustainable growth across the livestock and poultry industries of both countries.