The Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, successfully conducted a comprehensive two-day training workshop on “Food Dehydration Techniques” for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of the Uva Province on 13th and 14th February 2024. This training workshop was organized in collaboration with the Community Volunteer Center of Uva Wellassa University, the Department of Local Government of the Uva Province, Uva Agro Exports Pvt Ltd., and the ‘Capacity Development for Local Government (CDLG)’ Project of the United Nations Development Programme which is supported by the European Union’s ‘STRIDE’ programme.
The workshop aimed to equip SMEs with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the food industry, particularly focusing on agricultural sector entrepreneurs. With 20 SMEs and potential entrepreneurs in attendance, the event proved to be highly impactful.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Prof. W.A.J.P. Wijesinghe, Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, along with distinguished guests including Mr. D.M.L.H. Dissanayaka, Commissioner of Local Government-Uva province, Mr. E.G.J. Ariyarathne, Assistant Commissioner of Local Government, Badulla, Mr. Zihan Zaruk, Provincial Coordinator CDLG Project United Nations Development Program, and Mr. Amila Dissanayake, Director, Uva Agro Export Pvt Ltd. The workshop featured expert-led sessions and practical insights, facilitated by esteemed resource persons; Prof. W.A.J. P. Wijesinghe, Dr. D.C. Mudannayaka, Dr. A.M.N.L. Abesinghe, Dr. G.A.A.R. Perera, Dr. W.M.N.M. Wijesundara, Dr. M.P.M. Arachchige, Dr. K.N. Wijayasekara, Dr. V.G. Gayan Chandrajith, Ms. K.P.M. Kahandage, Ms. Nivanthi Kaushalya, and Ms. Odara Kokuhennadi from the Department of Food Science & Technology and Dr. Prasad Mahindarathna from the Department of Export Agriculture.
A special practical session on Food Dehydration Techniques provided hands-on experience to the trainees, enhancing their learning outcomes.
The workshop’s success was attributed to the collaborative efforts of Dr. K.N. Wijayasekara, the coordinator, and all members of the Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture.
Certificates were awarded to the participants and the event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. K.N. Wijayasekara.
The organizers express sincere gratitude to the CDLG Project of the United Nations Development Programme, Department of Local Government, the Department of Local Government of the Uva Province, Uva Agro Exports Pvt Ltd, Community Development Center of Uva Wellassa University, all the resource persons of this workshop for their invaluable contributions towards making this workshop a resounding success. Gratitude is extended to Mr. Gayan C. Manawadu, Training Coordinator, Mr. H.M.C.J. Kumara, Development Officer, and Ms. Shalindi Maheshika, Trainee representing the Department of Local Government for their unwavering support.
