Army commences production of own MRE packs
January 19, 2019The Sri Lanka Army in collaboration with the Research Analysis Projection & Development Branch of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka has commenced the production of the 'Meal Ready to Eat' (MRE) ration packs at the Kandakadu Army farm in Welikanda. According to Army media, the ceremonial production operation commenced at Welkanda facility on Friday (18 January 2019).
The new innovative locally made MRE pack was developed by the 3 Special Forces (SF) of the Special Forces Brigade together with the Research Analysis Projection & Development Branch, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka and Directorate of Agriculture and Livestock. It is expected that the locally made new product will save the country about 60 percent in foreign exchange.
The Kandakadu production facility has the capacity to roll out 900 MRE ration packs a day which can serve the daily requirements of soldiers on patrol, sentry duties, jungle training operations and particularly in times of national disasters, etc.
The product, made of processed steamed rice, tempered chickpeas, peanuts, fish, soya, chicken, vegetables, etc is manufactured under strict health standards and come in three different packs for each meal (breakfast- 200g, lunch-400g and dinner- 400g).
The manufacturing facility is equipped with new machinery worth about Rs 4 million. The workforce includes 15 personnel enlisted to the Army from the Wayamba University under the militarized category who will continue to work other Army personnel of the Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps (SLAGSC) personnel. It is also expected that the factory establishment in the remote Welikanda area will provide employment opportunities for the local youth in the region.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake.
