Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC (LMF) — one of Sri Lanka’s leading dairy companies — has achieved a historic milestone at its Ambewela Farms, recording an unprecedented daily milk production of 62,000 litres from a single source. This achievement marks a remarkable leap from the modest 3,000 litres per day when the farm was first acquired from the state sector in 2001.Today, Ambewela Farms contributes over 20 million litres of fresh milk annually to Sri Lanka’s national dairy supply, solidifying its position as the largest dairy producer and a pioneer in modern dairy farming across the island.
Transforming Sri Lanka’s Dairy Industry
This record-breaking achievement is the result of more than two decades of investment, innovation, and expertise by Lanka Dairies Limited (LDL), Ambewela Products (Pvt) Limited, and Pattipola Livestock (Pvt) Ltd, all subsidiaries under the Lanka Milk Foods Group. Since 2019, the company has invested over Rs. 5 billion to upgrade its farms with automated dairy housing and milking systems, enabling world-class standards in productivity and animal welfare.These advanced systems have doubled milk output within just two years, placing Ambewela among the top dairy brands in the region. Every detail — from cow comfort to computerised farm management systems — reflects the Group’s ongoing commitment to excellence and sustainability.
Cutting-Edge Breeding and Herd Management
A key factor behind this success is Ambewela’s advanced breeding programme, which uses sexed semen from globally recognised stud bulls. This has enabled the farm to produce high-yielding dairy cows locally, each capable of producing up to 12,000 litres per 305-day lactation cycle. The herd’s health is maintained through continuous veterinary surveillance and preventive disease control, ensuring both productivity and animal welfare.Today, Ambewela’s cows average 40 litres of milk per cow, per day, a figure that rivals global dairy leaders.
Precision Nutrition and Sustainable Farming
Nutrition plays an equally vital role in Ambewela’s success. Guided by international nutritionists, the farm has adopted precision feeding systems tailored for high-yield dairy cows. Specially cultivated nutrient-rich grass varieties and locally grown feed ensure optimal health and consistent milk quality.Moreover, Ambewela’s calf-rearing programmes are designed for early maturity and superior growth, ensuring generational improvement in herd productivity.
A Vision Rooted in Collaboration and Innovation
Reflecting on the achievement, Sarath Bandara, General Manager – Farms, stated:“This milestone has been made possible through a collaborative approach — combining international expertise with local dedication. It’s the culmination of years of planning, investment, and innovation. Our focus remains on enhancing Sri Lanka’s dairy self-sufficiency while upholding world-class quality standards.
”Uplifting Local Farmers and the National Dairy Ecosystem
Beyond its own operations, Lanka Milk Foods shares the success of Ambewela Farms with the wider farming community. Through technology transfer, supply of high-quality cattle, and training in modern dairy practices, LMF empowers local dairy producers to improve yield and efficiency.
The Group’s consumer brands, including Ambewela, My Juicee, United Dairies Ltd, and Lanka Dairies Limited (LDL), continue to deliver trusted milk products to Sri Lankan households, promoting national food security and sustainable dairy farming.
Setting New Standards in Dairy Excellence
As Sri Lanka’s largest integrated dairy producer and milk products manufacturer, Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC continues to set new benchmarks in production, quality, and innovation. With a vision to achieve dairy self-sufficiency and strengthen the country’s agricultural economy, the company remains dedicated to advancing Sri Lanka’s dairy industry through sustainable practices, local empowerment, and unmatched product quality.