July 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited, a government-backed nutritional supplement manufacturer, has ramped up operations to a 24-hour production schedule in a renewed effort to enhance nationwide food security and public health outcomes.
Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed the move during a recent visit to the production facility located in Kandana.
The manufacturer, known for its signature fortified food product widely distributed among vulnerable groups, is now functioning at full capacity following a comprehensive recovery and expansion plan. The minister, accompanied by senior officials, toured the facility to inspect the round-the-clock production cycle, which is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted distribution of nutritional supplements to communities across the country.
The revitalisation of the factory comes amid broader government efforts to reposition the once-struggling entity as a financially viable public enterprise. During the visit, Dr Jayatissa held in-depth discussions with the company’s newly appointed Chairman, Amal Aththanayake, addressing various aspects of the operation, including raw material procurement, logistics, staffing, marketing, and financial sustainability.
One of the most ambitious elements of the revival strategy is the planned launch of 100 dedicated retail outlets under the Suposha brand. These shops, expected to be rolled out in phases over the coming months, will not only make the product more widely accessible but also support efforts to diversify its market presence.
Officials confirmed that distribution has already resumed to multiple districts—among them Badulla, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Kalutara, Colombo, Gampaha, Kilinochchi, and Puttalam—via an integrated network of railway and road transport.
In addition, the Ministry of Health is overseeing direct delivery of supplements to targeted groups such as young children, expectant mothers, and breastfeeding women.
Despite rumours earlier this year that the company faced closure due to financial strain, the government insists it has turned the situation around. Dr Jayatissa stated that over the past nine months, coordinated intervention has transformed the facility into a profit-making venture, silencing critics who had questioned the company’s viability.
“Thanks to robust leadership and a commitment to accountability, we now have over 230 staff members working across a streamlined operation that has already contributed upwards of Rs. 300 million to the national Treasury,” the minister remarked.
Chairman Aththanayake noted that new products are also being introduced to expand the nutritional brand’s appeal, including a calorie-rich “Suposha Bar” available in multiple variants, including cupcakes. These new items are currently being sold at the flagship outlet in Ja-Ela, with nationwide availability to follow as part of the retail expansion drive.
