Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Mango Value Chain: IPS Publication Highlights Pathways for Food Loss Reduction

8 May 2025

The Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS Sri Lanka) recently launched its latest publication, “Enhancing Food Loss Mitigation in Sri Lankan Mango Production: Insights from a Three-Year Collaboration”, at the dynamic symposium RIPE FOR INNOVATION: Future of the TEJC Mango Sector in Sri Lanka.

The symposium was organised by the Market Development Facility (MDF) and was attended by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency. Paul Stephen, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included Dr. (Mrs.) Shiromani Edirimanne, Director General of the Department of Agriculture; Ms. Maryam Piracha, Country Director of MDF; Dr. Ilmi Hewajulige, Director General of the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI); and Dr. Patrick Nugawela, Board Member of the Lanka Fruit & Vegetable Producers, Processors and Exporters Association (LFVPPEA).

The publication was co-authored by IPS Research Fellows Dr. Manoj Thibbotuwawa and Dr. Erandathie Pathiraja, together with IPS Research Officers Chandula Idirisinghe and Nishamini Ihalagedara, along with a broader team of collaborators from the project consortium. It presents the interim findings from the ACIAR/IDRC-funded project “Food Loss Mitigation in Mango and Tomato Value Chains in Sri Lanka”, led by IPS in collaboration with the University of Peradeniya, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, and the Open University of Sri Lanka.

Using a holistic, mixed-methods approach, the study identified major inefficiencies caused by poor agronomic practices, weak infrastructure, and inadequate postharvest handling. It highlights the critical yet under-recognised role of women in value addition and emphasises the need to address systemic barriers through integrated, gender-inclusive strategies. The report calls for reframing food loss mitigation as a value-enhancing opportunity, strengthening extension services, market linkages, and traceability systems, and promoting coordinated investment and governance. It envisions a modern, resilient mango sector driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-country learning.

Read the new publication here.