In a significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation in the livestock and poultry sectors, the 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 1–2, 2025. The two-day event marked the formal beginning of an institutional dialogue between the two nations and laid the foundation for collaborative efforts in areas such as animal health, feed innovation, policy alignment, and knowledge exchange.
Reflecting the strategic importance of the engagement, the event was attended by several high-level dignitaries and institutional heads from Sri Lanka. Notable attendees included Dr. Palika Fernando, Additional Secretary (Livestock Development), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, and Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardana, Director General – Treasury, Ministry of Financial Planning and Economic Development. The Sri Lankan delegation also comprised key representatives from SLVA and WPSA-SL.
Representing India, the CLFMA delegation was led by Chairman Divya Kumar Gulati and included Deputy Chairman Naveen Pasuparthy, Honorary Secretary Nissar F. Mohammed, Treasurer R. Ramkutty, East Zone President Sameer Chotai, International Liaison Committee Member Jaison John, and Executive Director Colonel Vinay Kumar.
The engagement began on July 1 with an informal coordination meeting between the office bearers of SLVA, WPSA-SL, and CLFMA’s Sri Lanka coordination team. The relaxed setting encouraged open, solution-focused dialogue and laid the groundwork for deeper alignment. This was followed by a networking dinner, during which Gulati formally invited the Sri Lankan delegation to participate in CLFMA’s upcoming 66th National Symposium and 58th Annual General Meeting, scheduled for August 22–23, 2025, at Hotel Taj Deccan, Hyderabad — an invitation that was warmly received.
Building on the momentum from Day 1, the formal sessions on July 2 began with a welcome address by Gulati, who outlined CLFMA’s mission, recent initiatives, and long-term vision for regional collaboration. A detailed presentation by Colonel Vinay Kumar further showcased CLFMA’s impact across India’s livestock value chain. The subsequent dialogue focused on aligning efforts in livestock breeding, veterinary research, nutritional advancements, and capacity building. It was evident that both sides recognized the potential of transforming this bilateral exchange into a structured and ongoing partnership.
“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,” said Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman, CLFMA of India. “We see immense potential for joint R&D, policy advocacy, and trade cooperation, and we are committed to deepening this collaboration.”
Adding to this momentum, Dr. Palika Fernando affirmed the Sri Lankan government's interest in strengthening technical and research collaboration with Indian counterparts. “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 institutionalising this partnership,” she said.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardana reaffirmed the Sri Lankan government’s commitment to structured, cross-border cooperation. Dr. Ushan Pallegama, President of SLVA, and Dr. Mallawa Arachchi, President of WPSA-SL, also expressed strong interest in establishing long-term collaboration with CLFMA through formal institutional frameworks and joint initiatives.
Following these productive discussions, the event concluded with a felicitation of dignitaries and a vote of thanks by Nissar F. Mohammed, followed by a formal dinner. The atmosphere was marked by mutual respect, a shared purpose, and a strong willingness to build a sustainable, long-term partnership.
The CLFMA delegation comprised key industry leaders, including Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman; Naveen Pasuparthy, Deputy Chairman; Nissar F. Mohammed, Honorary Secretary; R. Ramkutty, Treasurer; Sameer Chotai, President – East Zone; Jaison John, Member of the International Liaison Committee; and Colonel Vinay Kumar, Executive Director.
By fostering open dialogue and shared goals, the India–Sri Lanka Livestock Meet reaffirmed the power of partnerships in building a robust, sustainable, and inclusive livestock ecosystem for the region
