RIOCOCO Lanka Private Limited, a globally-known coconut-based growing media manufacturer based in Sri Lanka, recently donated a high-tech computer laboratory to Nalanda College in Colombo, at a cost of more than Rs. 20 million. The laboratory with more than 50 computers, which was built on the concept of RIOCOCO’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shan Halamba, who was the Head Prefect of Nalanda College in 1993/94, was inaugurated on 10 November. It was built on the guidance of the school’s Principal, U.D. Iran Champika de Silva.
At a time when it was almost unimaginable to set up a soilless growing media manufacturing operation, Halamba were convinced of the country’s potential to produce high quality, uniform and consistent coconut growing media. They then founded the RIOCOCO in 2004, which made a speedy success within a short span of time. It has been expanded to more than 65 countries by present. It is currently running a global operation and working with some of the largest hydroponics greenhouse crop producers in the world. RIOCOCO is recognised as one of the foremost soilless growing media manufacturers in the region, and also as the highest quality single origin growing medium supplier in the world. RIOCOCO has been marketing its brand and products with the bold claim “A Growing Medium Like No Other” paying a silent tribute to the industry’s roots in Sri Lanka.
In 2015 and 2019, Shan has been honored with The Gold Stevie Award for Young Chief Executive of the Year, in the International Business Awards. The Stevie® Award trophy is one of the world’s most coveted prizes. The Gold Stevie Award has been conferred for achievement in business in organizations and individuals in more than 60 countries. He also won numerous business awards such as International Businessman of the Year, Texas Governor’s Award, Minority Business Leader Awards are among the key awards. He was also the former Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka for the state of Texas, USA.