The sugar industry in Sri Lanka is going to be developed with the assistance of Thailand.

Following a discussion held with the chairman of Thailand’s Sugar Producers Association Prakeeth Pradeepasen the decision in this regard was taken. They also agreed to provide necessary equipment to small scale sugarcane cultivators, said Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe.

Presently, Sri Lanka imports 95 percent of its sugar requirements. The Minister said that plans are underway to develop the local sugar industry and improve the production capacity of sugar factories at Udawalawa, Pelwatta, Sevanagala and Kanthale.

Under this programme, arrangements have been made to cultivate sugarcane in 40,000 hectares and of this 20,000 hectares will be cultivated in Kanthale.