Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Plantation and Rural Infrastructure has entered into a strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and the Australian Government to boost the country’s coconut industry and accelerate export growth.

A cooperation agreement between the Ministry and IFC was signed today (28 Jan) by Ministry Secretary Prabath Chandrakeerthi and IFC’s South Asia Regional Manager Gregory Smith. 

According to the Ministry of Plantation, the initiative aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s coconut sector through targeted technical support, policy dialogue, and capacity building across the value chain.

Sri Lanka earned USD 1,233 million in export revenue from the coconut industry in 2025, making it a key contributor to the agricultural economy, rural employment, and foreign exchange.

IFC will work closely with the Coconut Research Institute (CRI), Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB), and Coconut Development Authority (CDA) to support farmers and stakeholders, with special focus on expanding cultivation in the Northern Province. 

The programme also seeks to integrate sustainable agricultural practices and gender-inclusive training.

Overall, the partnership is expected to help Sri Lanka meet rising international demand for coconuts while ensuring a sustainable future for local producers. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized that the government remains committed to improving the quality of life for the plantation community, stating that in the 2026 Sri Lankan budget, a proposal was made to increase the daily wage for plantation workers from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,750. 

PM Amarasuriya said that this includes an increase in the base daily wage to Rs. 1,550, along with a government-proposed daily attendance incentive of Rs. 200, scheduled to take effect from January 2026. 

“This marks the beginning of our efforts to ensure fair compensation and improved living standards for those who sustain the industry. At the same time, the government is committed to advancing the tea sector itself. Our vision is to make the industry more sustainable, competitive, and inclusive,” she said.

The Prime Minister further said that recently, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handed over 2,000 housing deeds to members of the plantation community who had long been denied the right to hold property, providing them with greater security and stability.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the National Tea Symposium (InTSym100) held in Colombo today. 

The Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka (TRISL) celebrates a century of scientific service to the nation this year, marking 100 years since its establishment in 1925. The Institute commemorates this milestone with the International Tea Symposium 2025, held today and tomorrow at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, under the theme “Perfect Sip: Bridging Innovations, Sustainability and Lifestyles.”

This landmark event brings together scientists, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the globe to share knowledge, explore innovations, and chart the future of the tea industry through collaborative research and development.

A new tea variety, TRI 5000, was presented to the Prime Minister during the ceremony.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated: “Tea remains a central part of Sri Lanka’s economy, contributing nearly 10% of agricultural exports and supporting the livelihoods of close to two million people. Beyond its economic role, tea is deeply connected to our land, culture, and communities. It sustains families across the sector from smallholders and plantation workers to manufacturers, packers, and exporters.

“Approximately 90% of Sri Lanka’s tea production is exported to more than 140 countries. Since its introduction, tea has represented Sri Lanka on the global stage, with Ceylon Tea recognized internationally for quality and authenticity. As a government, we aim to further expand this progress and have set a target of 400 million kilograms of made tea and US$2.5 billion in export earnings by 2030,” she said.

PM Amarasuriya noted that at the same time, the human dimension of the tea industry must be acknowledged. 

“Women have long played a central role, from plucking to research and administration. More than 60% of the labour force in the sector comprises women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they continued to work, generating income for the state while others were under lockdown. Their contributions deserve recognition. They have faced significant hardships, from snake bites to injuries sustained while plucking tea leaves. Many still lack proper housing and access to childcare facilities, which adds to their challenges. These women must be provided with access to education, training, safe working conditions, fair wages, and equitable opportunities for advancement,” she added. (Newswire)

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Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader MP Mano Ganesan says the government’s recent programme to issue house and land deeds to plantation beneficiaries in Bandarawela was merely the distribution of ‘Letters of Intention’. 

“The JVP government held a grand event at Bandarawela, with much fanfare, claimed to have issued house & land deeds to 2,000+ plantation beneficiaries under the Indian Housing Grant Project. But in reality, no new houses, no land identified, no foundations laid. Only “Letters of Intention”, he said.

He further said that in an act of deception, the hill country Tamil (Malaiyaha) politicos of the government distributed 234 ownership deeds of houses built during the previous government to the inhabitants of those houses, and yet they loudly made a hollow claim of giving 2,288 legal deeds

MP Mano Ganesan alleged that JVP Tamil politicos in the government have taken the innocent plantation residents, the whole country, and the diplomatic community and development partners in Sri Lanka for a ride.  

“And what’s more, they have made the last laugh at their own leader, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake,” he added. 

Opposition MP Mano Ganesan made the remarks in a statement shared on ‘X’. (Newswire)

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Issues related to fundamental rights were discussed during a special meeting between Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and members of the Voice of plantation people organization at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday (Jan 16).

According to the PM’s Office, issues related to fundamental rights including land, housing and education of Malaiyaha (upcountry) plantation workers, a marginalized community of Tamils living in the Southern and Western provinces of the country, were discussed at the meeting.

The Prime Minister paid special attention to the declaration of basic demands of the Malaiyaha people and said that she would directly intervene in the matter of education and vocational training facilities for their children. 

“The demands regarding infrastructure facilities, land and housing will be referred to the relevant minister and solutions will be provided,” the Prime Minister assured.

A group of members including Executive Director of the Voice of plantation people organization Anthony Jesudasan, Programme Director, Hasanthi and National Programme Coordinator Rajan participated in this discussion. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted for the implementation of the charter for the upcountry plantation community in Sri Lanka.

The charter for the upcountry plantation community in Sri Lanka has been drafted as a basic document in guiding government efforts, enabling the government to achieve the commitment of the government to fully integrate the upcountry plantation community into the wider socioeconomic structure. 

According to the government, through the implementation of said charter, it will be possible to address the challenges continuously encountered by the plantation community and to build an equitable society within Sri Lanka. 

As such, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Estate Infrastructure Development to implement the said charter for the upcountry plantation community. (Newswire)

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The virtual launch of the 4th stage of the Indian Housing project, ‘Bharat-Lanka,’ aimed at constructing 10,000 houses for plantation sector workers was inaugurated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe today (Feb 19).  

During the ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat, the President along with Minister of Estate Infrastructure Development Jeevan Thondaman and Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha, virtually unveiled the foundation stone plaque for 1300 houses across 45 plantation estates in ten districts.

Addressing the event, the President underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding the economic and social rights of the upcountry Tamil community. 

He further acknowledged their significant contribution to the nation’s economy and expressed intentions to unite political representatives from the upcountry, transcending party lines, to present collaborative proposals within the upcoming month.

President Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude to the Government of India for their support, particularly on the 200th anniversary of the upcountry Tamil community’s arrival in Sri Lanka. He highlighted efforts to negotiate land acquisition from estate companies for housing construction and emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing education standards within the upcountry.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including State Minister of Irrigation and Water Supply Shasheendra Rajapaksa and Governor of Central Province Lalith U Gamage, highlighting the significance of the housing project and bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka.

Addressing the event, President Wickremesinghe said; “On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Upcountry Tamil Community to Sri Lanka, the Indian government has generously provided support for this housing project. I express my sincere gratitude to the Government of India for this gesture. The Tamil community of Indian Origin, who have made significant contributions to the country’s economy, have unfortunately suffered great losses due to the lack of land and housing ownership.

“Today, they have been deprived of their political rights, but it is imperative that their economic and social rights are upheld. The government is actively initiating this process, starting with negotiations with estate companies to acquire land for the construction of these houses. Consequently, we anticipate commencing related housing programs in the near future.

“Furthermore, the government has prioritized the advancement of education in the estate sector. Education levels within estates lag behind those in other regions, necessitating the establishment of equitable educational standards across all schools.

“Moreover, it’s essential to recognize that not all upcountry residents engage in plantation work. Thus, efforts must extend to providing opportunities for youth, including access to education and vocational training, particularly geared towards international employment opportunities,” he said.

The President went on to note that currently under deliberation is the decision between continued plantation labour or the provision of land plots as per the plantation agreement, aiming to elevate individuals to the status of small tea plantation owners. “

This initiative seeks to foster economic empowerment and equality among upcountry communities. Our aim is to convene all political representatives and present unified proposals devoid of party divisions within the next month.

“The government is diligently addressing challenges one by one. Currently, discussions are underway to find solutions for the issues facing the people of the North East. Simultaneously, we must prepare to advance the nation’s economy by addressing the concerns of the Tamils and Muslim communities residing in the Upcountry region.

“While we faced hardships for a period, we have now overcome bankruptcy and resumed economic activities. Upon assuming office, the nation grappled with shortages of food and fuel. Today, however, we have successfully overcome these shortages. As we implement economic programs, challenges such as tax burdens arise. Nevertheless, this burden is not permanent and in a matter of months, relief will be provided to the people,” he said.

The President pointed out that it wass crucial to acknowledge that Sri Lanka’s progress from the recent economic crisis was significantly aided by the financial support provided by India. “Without this assistance, our path forward would indeed be challenging.

“Furthermore, we are actively engaged in enhancing our economic ties with India, particularly during this period of India’s rapid economic development. During our discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we extensively deliberated on bolstering the relationship between our two nations. In conclusion, I express my heartfelt gratitude once again to the Government of India for their invaluable support in initiating this program.” he added.

Also addressing the occasion, Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Jeevan Thondaman emphasized that the launch of 1,300 houses in Phase 4 of the Indian Housing Scheme symbolizes more than mere construction, adding that it signifies the initiation of the larger promise of 10,000 homes made during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. 

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his dedication to the Indian-origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka.

Minister Thondaman stressed the long-awaited nature of the housing project, affirming the government’s commitment to delivering on promised projects rather than merely showcasing them.

Minister Thondaman praised President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s declaration of the decade of development for the up-country community and outlined initiatives of the granting of land ownership rights to facilitate economic and social inclusion. He also thanked President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his leadership during challenging times and emphasized the importance of permanent solutions to the community’s issues.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha expressed his immense pleasure in participating in the event marking the launch of Phase 4 of the Indian Housing Project. He announced the virtual commencement of constructing the first phase of 1,300 houses out of the pledged 10,000 houses for plantation workers in Sri Lanka.

Highlighting the significance of the project, the High Commissioner emphasized India’s deep commitment, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi, to support the Indian-origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka. “The decision to construct these houses was announced during Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Hatton, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the region. These 10,000 houses, spanning 250 estates and six provinces, aim to support the most underprivileged sections of society. The primary objective of the housing project is to provide plantation workers with their own dwelling spaces, thereby empowering them and improving their well-being. This initiative aligns with India’s people-centric approach and neighbourhood-first policy in its relations with Sri Lanka”.

The High Commissioner concluded by acknowledging the Government of Sri Lanka, especially President Ranil Wickremesinghe, for his support and guidance. He reiterated India’s commitment to building a deeper and stronger partnership based on shared security, prosperity and enhanced connectivity between the two nations, as outlined in the vision document issued during President Wickremesinghe’s visit to India in July 2023. (NewsWire)

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