In line with the Government policy statement “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”
Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure initiated a dialogue with all stake
holders in both the public sector and the private sector to draw a ten-year roadmap
(2026–2035) covering the entire rubber value chain. The initial workshop for this was
successfully concluded on the 28 th October 2025. Sri Lankan rubber industry claims a history
of nearly 150 years. It contributes 8.33% of the total exports earnings.is Rubber being the the
third-largest export sector has contributed USD 1,001.54 million in 2024.
There have been several attempts made and programs launched to push up the contribution of
rubber to export earnings, livelihoods and income generation especially in the periphery.
The “Rubber Industry Master Plan (2017–2026)”, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers
as the national agenda for rubber industry development. Rubber industry faces new
challenges with COVID 19 impact of climate change, introduction of EUDR, US Tariff hike
and unprecedented financial difficulties faced in the country These challenges have resulted
in dropping of the production and the yield with a negative impact on the prices. low prices
discourage growers especially the smallholder rubber farmers resulting them withdrawing
from rubber cultivation.
In light of these changes, rubber sector needs a fresh approach. Considering the urgency, the
Ministry intends to raw up road map for the period of 2026 to 2035.
State institutions, private sector organizations, and policymakers were engaged to ensure
participation of all the stakeholders of the rubber industry. The initial workshop was
concluded with the comprehensive participation of stakeholders successfully.
The workshop was attended by representatives from all state, semi-government, and private
institutions representing the rubber value chain.
the Department of Rubber Development, the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, the
Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development, the
Department of National Planning, the National Institute of Plantation Management, the
Export Development Board, the Industrial Development Board, Sri Lanka Customs, the
Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters
of Rubber Products, the Colombo Rubber Traders’ Association, the Planters’ Association, the
Association of Technically Specialized Rubber Product Manufacturers, the Small and
Medium-Scale Rubber Product Manufacturers’ Association, and the Smallholder Rubber
Plantation Owners’ Association were among the participation.
The consensus was reached among stakeholders to continue the dialogue with a series of
workshops and complete the exercise before the end of the year.
International Tea Symposium 2025
 |
The Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka proudly presents the International Tea Symposium 2025, to be held on 10 & 11 November 2025 at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. This global forum will bring together industry leaders, researchers, and experts to explore the future of tea through innovation, sustainability, and lifestyle integration.
The project aims to enhance the quality of education in these districts, supported by a generous financial grant of LKR 508 million from the Government of India and an additional contribution of LKR 115 million from the Government of Sri Lanka.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Rohan Fernando, Managing Director, Aitken Spence Plantation Managements PLC. The symposium will also feature distinguished plenary speakers including international representatives from Kirin Holdings (Japan), Pepsi Lipton, UK Tea and Infusions Association, Tea and Herbal Association of Canada, and Latvia Tea Association.
Key tracks include:
- Innovation in Tea Crop Improvement and Biotechnology
- Competitiveness and Market Trends
- Quality Improvement and Product Innovation
- Gender, Society and Tea
- Sustainable Crop Protection & Climate Resilience
- Technology Transfer in Tea
This event is a landmark opportunity to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a global leader in tea while addressing challenges and opportunities in the modern industry.
For inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 📞 +94 76 527 99 68
Pre-Budget Discussion 2026 for the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure
 |
 |
A review of the projects implemented under the 2025 budget allocations for the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, along with a pre-budget discussion for the year 2026, was held this 22nd of August at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The progress of projects implemented by the 29 institutions coming under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, based on the 2025 budget allocations, as well as the challenges encountered and future plans, were thoroughly examined during the discussion.
A special attention was drawn to the development of coconut cultivation, and the President directed the officials to identify the lands with commercial plantations and to take necessary measures to promote them.
The President, who directed the officials to focus on improving the productivity of existing plantations rather than undertaking new coconut planting, also pointed out the importance of raising public awareness about the existing laws and regulations to optimize the utilization of underutilized coconut estates under private ownership.
The President also informed the officials to develop a plan for the effective utilization of underutilized land owned by the Public Trustee’s Department.
Discussions were also held on the progress of estate housing projects, estate infrastructure, establishment of smart classrooms in estate schools, and community empowerment programs within the estate sector. The President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directed the officials to conduct a comprehensive study on the smart classroom project and submit a detailed report.
Attention was also drawn to research activities in the tea and rubber sectors, while discussions focused on improving the quality and global competitiveness of Ceylon cinnamon products. The President pointed out the potential to promote cinnamon cultivation in the Western Province, and thereby, improve the productivity and optimize land use.
The President underscored the need for a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape, in which many industries are operating below capacity as a result of an artificially constructed market in the country, and called for the formulation of a strategic plan to advance the development of domestic industries.
Attention was also directed toward identifying overlapping functions among the institutions under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, merging the identified institutions, and liquidating the institutions to be liquidated.
The discussion also focused on boosting export revenue in the plantation sector and achieving the set targets.
Attendees
Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure: Mr. Samantha Vidyarathna
Secretary to the President: Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake
Secretary to the Ministry of Finance: Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma
Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure: Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi
Senior Additional Secretary to the President: Mr. Russell Aponso
Officials from the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure and its affiliated institutions
Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance
Island-wide Awareness Program Highlights Nutritional Benefits of Coconut
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Under the coordination of the Department of Coconut and Minor Export Crops of the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Community Infrastructure, a scheduled program series organized by the Coconut Development Authority, aimed at promoting the efficient use and nutritional value of coconut, was successfully held island-wide. The pilot program took place successfully on July 21, 2025, at the auditorium on the 11th floor of the Sethsiripaya Stage II building.
During the program, ten winners were selected through a raffle draw based on correct responses to a question posed following the keynote lecture.
Moreover, a live cooking demonstration was conducted by culinary expert Ms. Nadee Amarasinghe, showcasing how to prepare delicious and nutritious dishes using packaged coconut milk. A special feature of the event was the active participation of officials from the Ministry as well as representatives from various government institutions.
U.S. and Sri Lanka Discuss Future Economic and Social Collaboration in Plantation Industry
 |
 |
A special meeting was held 25th of March at the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure with the U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. During the meeting, the Ambassador expressed her appreciation for the new government's commitment to providing housing and other benefits to plantation communities in a fair and impartial manner, without political bias. Furthermore, extensive discussions were held on innovations needed in the tea, coconut, and rubber sectors to increase the country's economic growth. The Ambassador also emphasized that efforts are being made to strengthen economic relations between the United States and Sri Lanka.
She mentioned that even the attire of the new government ministers reflects their readiness to work at any time for any task, and she expressed her admiration for this. Ambassador Chung shared that her parents, originally from Korea, immigrated to the United States and started their lives from a very challenging level. She noted that she, too, experienced hardships and worked her way up to becoming an ambassador. She further expressed her joy in seeing a minister who also rose from a difficult background in a region like Badulla, now serving the country. The Ambassador affirmed that necessary steps will be taken to strengthen the friendship between the two countries. Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Mr. Samantha Viddyarathna, Deputy Minister, Mr. Sundaralingam Pradeep, Ministry Secretary Mr. Prabath Chandrakirthi, and officials from the embassy also participated in this event.
Signing of a MOU to Establish 60 Smart Classrooms in Plantation Schools
 |
 |
 |
 |
As a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in Sri Lanka’s plantation communities, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today (16th) by the Secretary to the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure, Mr. Prabhat Chandrakeerthi, and the High Commissioner of India, Mr. Santosh Jha, at the Indian High Commission in Colombo to establish 60 Smart Classrooms in plantation schools across the Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Badulla districts.
The project aims to enhance the quality of education in these districts, supported by a generous financial grant of LKR 508 million from the Government of India and an additional contribution of LKR 115 million from the Government of Sri Lanka.
The event was graced by the Secretary of the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, and the Indian High Commissioner, Mr. Santosh Jha, along with other distinguished guests. The signing of this MOU highlights the deep-rooted friendship and cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, as the two nations work together to empower future generations through education and technology.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "This endeavor marks a significant step towards improving the quality of education and bridging the digital divide in our plantation communities. It stands as a testament to the collaborative commitment of our nations to advance education and digital literacy."
Efforts to renovate classrooms into Smart Classrooms have already commenced in collaboration with the provincial Departments of Education in the Central and Uva Provinces. These preparations aim to integrate digital learning tools seamlessly into the curriculum, ensuring their effective utilization.
The Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure will also work closely with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Digital Economy to ensure the project’s successful implementation. The expertise of these ministries will play a crucial role in creating a robust framework for integrating modern digital technologies into the education system.
Furthermore, the Ministry expressed its gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of External Resources for their support during the project’s initial stages.
"This project is not merely about signing an agreement; it is a commitment to the future of our children, to their dreams, and to the prosperity of our communities," Mr. Chandrakeerthi,Secretary concluded.
Cinnamon Festival - 2024
 |
 |
 |
 |
The grand festival of offering the fresh cinnamon harvest of the local community to the Seenigama Devol Temple in Galle, Hikkaduwa, was held for the nineteenth time on Saturday, 21st December 2024, at the temple premises. This ceremony, which began as a way to offer the first harvest from cinnamon lands devastated by the 2004 Tsunami and to honor the lives and property lost in the disaster, has since become an annual tradition..
The festival was first initiated in December 2006 as a concept by Mr. Janaka Lindara, then Assistant Director of the Galle District at the Department of Export Agriculture, with the organizational support of his staff. This year, the event was organized by the Cinnamon Development Department, where Mr. Lindara now serves as Director General.
An additional objective of the festival is to raise awareness and promote Sri Lankan cinnamon among tourists visiting Hikkaduwa, a popular destination during this period.
This year’s event was held under the patronage of the Honorable Governor of the Southern Province, Mr. Bandula Harischandra, and the Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, Mr. Nalin Hewage. It was also attended by Mr. Arjuna Welaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Southern Province; Ms. Nayana de Silva, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure; Mr. A. Perera, Director General of the Sri Lanka Spice Council; Ms. A.P.P. Disna, Director General of Export Agriculture; and Mr. Janaka Lindara, Director General of the Cinnamon Development Department, along with other departmental staff. Representatives from the Association for Ceylon Cinnamon Protected Geographical Indication, Galle District Cinnamon Association and Nursery Owners Association in Galle district
Galle District Plant Nurserymen Association, and many others were also present.
The event was generously sponsored by A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.