Sri Lanka launches animal nutrition association with USSEC support as poultry feed demand rises

SRI LANKA – Sri Lanka’s animal feed industry has taken a step toward greater professional coordination with the launch of the Sri Lanka Association of Animal Nutrition (SLAAN), unveiled in Kandy earlier this month in collaboration with the U.S. Soybean Export Council. 

The new body is aimed at advancing science-based livestock nutrition, strengthening technical expertise, and supporting sustainable growth across the country’s feed and poultry sectors.

The launch comes as Sri Lanka’s poultry industry continues to play a central role in national food security, supported by rising demand for high-quality feed and increasing reliance on imported protein ingredients, particularly soybean meal from the United States.

Sri Lanka’s animal feed industry produces about 1.3 million tonnes annually, with poultry accounting for the largest share of consumption. 

Imports of U.S. soybean meal have increased by around 30% year-on-year, reflecting stronger demand for reliable protein sources in commercial feed formulations.

“We established SLAAN as a professional body dedicated to advancing the livestock industry through science, innovation, and sustainability,” said SLAAN Founder President SM Rohitha Samarakoon. 

“With partners such as USSEC, we remain committed to supporting the sector’s evolving needs through technical collaboration, knowledge sharing, and sustainable growth initiatives.”

Poultry sector anchors feed demand growth

Poultry remains the dominant driver of Sri Lanka’s feed demand, supported by rising consumption of chicken meat and eggs. 

The sector’s expansion has also strengthened demand for containerised feed ingredients, particularly soybean meal, which offers flexibility in procurement and shipment sizes.

In 2025, Sri Lanka became the largest global market for containerised U.S. soybean meal, importing about 255,000 tonnes. 

The trend highlights the country’s dependence on structured supply chains to maintain feed availability amid global price volatility and logistical disruptions.

“As South Asia’s largest market for U.S. soybean meal, US Soy is proud to support Sri Lanka’s industry through high-quality and sustainable feed ingredients,” said Kevin Roepke, Executive Director at USSEC.

Industry stakeholders say Sri Lanka’s feed sector has remained resilient despite economic and supply chain challenges, with nutrition strategies increasingly focused on ingredient quality and long-term value rather than short-term cost.

Nutrition efficiency and sustainability drive adoption

Feed formulators are increasingly prioritising U.S. soybean meal due to its consistency and performance benefits. 

USSEC promotes its “4Ds” advantages: naturally sun-dried, lower damage, higher digestibility, and deforestation-free production, which are linked to improved feed efficiency and animal performance.

“As nutritionists, we are committed to using the highest quality raw materials,” said Ajith Weerasinghe, Advisor to SLAAN and President of the Lanka Poultry Forum. 

“Through our partnership with US Soy, we are strengthening performance, reliability, and long-term growth.”

Sustainability is also becoming a key factor in procurement decisions. 

The US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) is being increasingly adopted across Sri Lanka’s feed sector to meet buyer and regulatory requirements.

To date, 16 poultry producers and feed millers have received licences to use the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” or “Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy” labels, which require more than 60% SSAP-verified sourcing. 

This signals a growing shift toward traceable, sustainability-certified feed ingredients across Sri Lanka’s livestock value chain.

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