Lumbini Aquaria International (Pvt) Ltd., the pioneer ornamental fish and aquatic plants company credited with exporting more than a billion live fish from Sri Lanka, won the Gold award in the ‘Large’ category of the ‘Ornamental Fish’ sector at the 2022 Annual Export Awards of the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE).

The prestigious Gold award for export performance recognises several important aspects of Lumbini Aquaria’s business model and excellence in business with emphasis on the triple bottom line of People, Profit and the Planet.

Now owned by Forsyth Capital, the 70-year-old Lumbini Aquaria, Sri Lanka’s first ornamental fish and aquatic plants exporter, operates five breeding facilities around Sri Lanka and exports over a thousand different breeds including freshwater fish, cold water fish, marine fish and invertebrates, and aquatic plants to 26 countries.

A consistent winner of the NCE Awards, Lumbini Aquaria won a Silver award in 2018 and Bronze awards in 2017 and 2021, in the ‘Medium’ category from the NCE, which recognises the country’s best exporters annually.

Mr Vibhu Perera, Chairman of Lumbini Aquaria commented: “We are delighted with the award-winning performance of the Company despite the many challenges it faces. Not only is Lumbini Aquaria contributing towards the national effort to earn foreign currency, it is also helping promote Sri Lanka as a great holiday destination through its ultra-colourful exports, while adhering to the strict quality protocols in the international market.”

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka celebrated the Pearl Anniversary of the Export Awards this year, completing 30 years of success, under the theme “Recognising, Inspiring and Strengthening – 30 years of unbroken commitment to Sri Lankan Exporters.” The annual awards serve to recognise and reward Sri Lankan exporters of products and services and also service providers to exporters, on their performance in the international market. The event has achieved national significance as one of the most looked-forward-to events in the business calendar of Sri Lanka.

Lumbini Aquaria was established in 1952 by Mr Lloyd Perera, and is the market leader in the ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka. The Company owns the country’s largest ornamental fish hatchery in Giriulla. A fully-owned subsidiary of Forsyth Capital, Lumbini Aquaria also supports more than 100 fish grower families and possesses one of the best Aquaculture Research and Development facilities in Sri Lanka.

The Board of Directors of Lumbini Aquaria International (Pvt) Ltd. comprises of Messrs Vibhu Perera – Chairman, Deepthi Perera – CEO and Managing Director, Sivasothy Sitharthan and Kapila Thisera –  Director Aquaculture.

Photo caption: Lumbini Aquaria Chairman Mr Vibhu Perera (3^rd from left) receives the NCE award.