Features

Ceylon Tobacco Co. and the emergence of Sri Lanka’s cut flower industry

Published

4 years ago

2022/04/24

by ACB Pethiyagoda

Some weeks ago this newspaper carried an interesting article by Sunela Jayewardene on the book “Wild Flowers of Sri Lanka” by Aritha Wikramanayake. Perhaps this may not be the first book on the subject or last, as I recall seeing a book in the mid 1970s by, I believe, Mrs. Dorothy Fernando. How competently she dealt with the subject I cannot remember but do recall clearly the near perfect pencil drawings by her of many wild flowers.

In the early part of the last century the Department of Agriculture put out bulletins on topics pertaining to its duties such as the “Preliminary List of Pests of Cultivated Plants of Ceylon 1923” It also issued “A Manual of the Weeds of Major Crops of Ceylon”. Hence a document on wild flowers could reasonably be assumed to have been issued by those worthy dedicated scientists.

Interestingly, all the senior staff in the Department in 1923 consisted of Europeans – Stockdale, Petch, Hutson, Park, Gadd etc. The only Ceylonese were Dr. A.W.R. Joachim, Office Assistant (later Director of Agriculture and later still Director, Tea Research Institute of Ceylon) and J.N. Culanatharvalu, Chief Clerk. The Government Printer was H. Ross Cottle.

In those times and in fact even as late as around the 1960s, cut flowers were of very little or no commercial value. Cultivated flowers consisted of mostly roses, barbatans, arum lilies, gladioli and somewhat later anthuriums. These were grown mostly at high elevations for beautification of gardens and for vases indoors.

Flowers were available on sale at malsalawas or better named malagiya salawas – the business places of undertakers now frequently calling themselves funeral directors! By around the late 1950s Colombo had two or three exclusive flower shops, so also a co-operative of growers. One of the flowers shops specialized in white Cattleyas, highly priced by wealthy brides.

Those who wanted them that badly were charged as much as Rs 500 a bloom! Just to give an idea of how expensive these were, one has only to recall that a gallon of petrol then cost Rs 7.50, a cigarette. 08 cents, a coconut .75 cents, an egg 60 cents, a pound of white sugar 75 cents. There were then only a handful of such growers or fanciers who grew Dendrobiums and Vandas and made the occasional kill, all the while jealously guarding the paying hobby.

While this was the position in then Ceylon, in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and to an extent in Indonesia, growers owned virtually acres in orchids bringing their produce in boatloads and trucks to buyer/exporter warehouses. It was and still is big business among large numbers of producers, buyers and exporters. They had reached a stage when they were almost overproducing and had to cut costs of production to remain afloat.

One such method was by dabbling with mixtures of cattle and pig manure, urine, young coconut water and even dashes of tomato juice as they found the easily applied small quantities of chemical fertilizers too expensive. Additionally, in simple laboratories, hybridization was going on at a pace to attract and maintain the interest of buyers in Germany, Switzerland, Holland, France etc.

They produced blooms and sprigs with desirable characteristics such as floriferousnes – frequency of flowering, size, colour, texture and shelf life. Many results of experiments carried out in those homes and back gardens of the experimenters were remarkably successful, considering the simple inputs and facilities available at most times to the technicians with practically no formal training or scientific backgrounds.

In our country meanwhile, the few growers were like the proverbial frogs in the well keeping to themselves what little they knew. They did not have the initiative to go out and learn although funds to them were not a limiting factor.

In 1966 Ceylon Tobacco Co commenced on the development of ‘Navajeevana’ – a colonization scheme in Mahiyangana on 1,000 acres of jungle lands leased from Government – an outstanding success which no private sector organization had before or after achieved. The company by then was managed by its first and only Sri Lankan Chairman/Chief Executive Mr. S.V. Wanigasekera. who gave agricultural diversification a foremost place in the company’s activities.

Its sugar cane project in Haldumulla carried out for the first time in Sri Lanka with outgrower participation was another success. In under two years of commencement in 1973, that project had over 700 smallholder growers cultivating over 1,200 acres in cane and processing over one ton of jaggery a day to satisfy demand when imported sugar was scare in the mid 1970s.

Over a decade from the coming of the UNP Government in 1977 “Ceylon Tobacco Co transformed itself, as it embraced a whole series of businesses which ranged from trading, financial services and agriculture to horticulture and bio-technology. Consequently, in 1979 CTC embarked on a major project to cultivate and market orchids which were among the rarest and most highly prized flowers of all.

“The intention was to develop the export of cut flowers and foster a new agro-industry which would earn foreign exchange. Orchid growing had previously been the preserve of a very elite social circle and it was hoped the new industry would benefit a host of small farmers and part time growers.”

To start off the cut flower industry with the participation of a large number of small growers the Company considered it useful to discuss that aspect with the then dozen or so known orchid fanciers. To a man they opposed the very idea declaring that orchid growing needed highly trained personnel to provide the needed care which ordinary growers could not give.

When told that the Company had by then trained about 15,000 growers in tobacco plant nursery management, cultivation and barn drying, the argument died down. From then on there was no looking back with an extensive nursery being established at Kalagedihena and visits being made to Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia for initial stocks of mother planting material.

Those opportunities of foreign travel were utilized to study the finer aspects of the business. A modern tissue culture laboratory, the first of its kind in the private sector, was set up at Kalagedihena, manned by highly qualified personnel to mass produce selected varieties of orchids. By 1982 there were 2,000 growers mostly in the Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara Districts. They were sold an initial stock of plants in three stages of growth – flowering, medium sized and small plants in thumb pots, and to guide them a team of twenty five trained field officers visited them at close intervals.

The early growers were granted a loan of Rs 3,000 each by the Bank of Ceylon and later a group called ‘big growers’ were granted loans of Rs 20,000 each to grow exclusively Aranda Christines. Growers were required to sell their produce to the company which most did, while a few sold theirs to other florists who were setting themselves up in the developing market.

Some of them, particularly in the Western seaboard from Chilaw to a little beyond Panadura are today exporters to Europe and the Middle East and suppliers of orchids to hundreds of local hotels, offices, shops and homes. This briefly is the history of the commercial cut flower industry in the Island begun by Ceylon Tobacco Company and followed by others.

To conclude this fascinating story of the cut flower industry in Sri Lanka, an observation of the Hon Lalith Athulathmudali, Minister of Trade and Shipping (1983) follows: “I was in the Kuwait Hilton the other day when they received a large stock of orchids. The entire lot came from Ceylon Tobacco Company. It was a matter of pride to say these orchids came from Sri Lanka.”

(All quotations are from Dr Sinharaja Tammita-Delgoda’s Tobacco, Agriculture and Land)

(This article by the late ACB Pethiyagoda was first published in this newspaper on Feb. 26, 2012. The writer, a professional tea planter, ended his career at the Ceylon Tobacco Co. where he worked in and managed agriculture related activities.)

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Features

The hard challenge of clinching a political settlement in the Middle East

Published

5 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Bruised hearts: Displaced Palestinian civilians in the Gaza.(Photo by Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Despite some sections of the Trump administration persisting with the view that the possibility could not be entirely ruled out of there being a diplomatic solution to the current US-Iran hostilities in West Asia, the skeptic could not be blamed for thinking otherwise. The intensity, scale and frequency of the tit-for-tat strikes by the antagonists over the past few days against selected military targets and civilian infrastructure in particular in West Asia make the adoption of this stance excusable.

The continuing hostilities render the mentioning of the MOU signed between the warring parties in mid-June a laughable matter. While it could very well be that the foes are wishing privately for a cessation of hostilities before long, what seems to be uppermost on their minds right now is to negotiate with each other from a position of strength. This strategy compels them to incapacitate each other militarily to the extent possible, lest they have to concede too much to each other during negotiations. Hence the stepped-up hostilities.

However, even on the question of there being a negotiated political settlement in the West Asian theatre in the longer term, the skeptic could come to be seen as scoring over the optimist. Developments on the ground account for this.

At the time of writing Israel’s Netanyahu government is going ahead in fairly care-free fashion with the establishment of more Jewish settlements in the Gaza and the West Bank, and it’s all happening under the apparently complacent gaze of the US. In fact, some quarters estimate that Israel is in control of some 65% of the Gaza Strip. Ethnic cleansing, that is, is being drastically stepped-up.

Accordingly, in terms of the power relations of West Asia, the world is almost back to the status quo of the late forties of the last century when the state of Israel was established and the Palestinians were reduced to a microscopic minority in the land they came to inhabit. Therefore, even the impartial observer would be compelled to ask: ‘Will a negotiated peace be ever possible in the Middle East?’

The humanist in the observer would prefer to answer this question in the affirmative and it is indeed the ideal stance to adopt considering the staggering human and material costs of the conflict. But the way ahead to peace could be expected to be highly hazardous and arduous. Among other odds, it would also prove an uphill endeavour to win minds and hearts.

The US’ Trump administration would need to be counted out in this pursuit. This is on account of the fact that it has been far too wayward in its management of West Asian affairs in particular over the past couple of years. Given its unpredictable character it is a matter for conjecture whether it could be counted on to live up to its commitments.

Moreover, Israel could be expected to ‘go it alone’ in the Middle East regardless of whether US help is coming or otherwise. It has indicated as much in recent times and Israel could be doubted on this score only at the doubter’s peril. Because time and again Israel has demonstrated that it could steadfastly defend its interests even single-handedly in the Middle East. History bears this out.

However, a durable alliance with the US would stand Israel in good stead. On the matter of military and intelligence assistance, for example, the US’s help proved invaluable for Israel in the past and going forward this is bound to be so as well. Moreover, it is unlikely that the Trump administration would give up on Israel, considering that a strong Israel is crucial for the furtherance of the US’ strategic and economic interests in West Asia.

But whether the above factors would have a considerable bearing on the question of working out a durable solution to the West Asian tangle is an entirely different matter. Israel, as in the case of the Palestinian enclaves, is acutely security conscious and would need to satisfy itself fully that it could live in a security environment that would guarantee its complete safety, going forward.

The Middle East is badly in need of another peace effort on the lines of the Oslo Accords of the mid-nineties that brought the key actors together and helped hammer out a solution that addressed some of their notable concerns. To be sure, that process did not prove to be the ideal answer to the tangle, but it yielded some respite to the region and drove home that one-time sworn foes could indeed negotiate with a degree of success. The West Bank authority, although falling short of fulfilling some key Palestinian aspirations, is testimony that a degree of success is possible if the intent is right.

Given the current realities of West Asia, peace-making is bound to be an uphill challenge. The violence faced in recent times by the Palestinian community, in particular, has been nothing less than mind-numbing. Merciless has been the violence visited on them by the Israeli side. In such circumstances, durable peace in the region could smack of an idealist’s dream.

Nevertheless, there needs to be urgently, a meeting of minds over the divides. The US would need to be counted out as an honest broker in bringing the sides together but the rest of the West would do well to step up to the challenge.

In this exercise the onus would be on the world’s democracies to take the initiative and doggedly stay the course. An acceptable combination would be the EU and the UN. Given their credentials, the main sides in West Asia ought to find them the least controversial.

Even if the relevant institutional and political arrangements could be shored up to take a reconciliation process forward, winning hearts and minds for the peace drive would prove a grueling challenge. Over the past few years in particular tens of thousands of hearts and minds on both sides of the divide have been bruised badly in the runaway murderous violence that has come to define the Middle East.

These badly scarred personalities would need to experience healing without much delay. It is therefore a multi-faceted challenge that is at hand. Since wide-ranging expertise would be needed in the healing process, people’s participation in peace-making, ranging over the divides, would need to be made a durable reality. It will be a time for enthroning humanity and ensuring the rejection of all forms of violence and coercion.

Features

Amazing Thailand …right here in Colombo

Published

5 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

For many Sri Lankans, Thailand is the go-to holiday — beaches, temples, food, and that famous warm hospitality.

In fact, I’ve been to Amazing Thailand 24 times myself, and was honoured with the Friends of Thailand International Media Award by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for promoting Thai tourism.

The good news I have for you today is that you don’t even need a passport to get a taste of Amazing Thailand.

The Royal Thai Embassy, in Colombo, is bringing a vibrant slice of Thailand, to the city of Colombo, with Thai Festival 2026 — a cultural experience like never before.

Whether you are an avid enthusiast of Thai culture, a total novice, or simply just interested in exploring foreign cultures, Thai Festival 2026 is going to be the perfect opportunity for you to get more than just a glimpse into one of the most celebrated cultural heritages in South East Asia. And ENTRANCE IS FREE.

The festival will be held on the 1st and 2nd of August, 2026, at Siam Nivasa, 43, C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 7, and the East Parking Area, of the Colombo Municipal Council, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Both days will be full of live entertainment, and dispersed throughout with Thai cultural displays, including exhilarating traditional dance performances and breathtaking Muay Thai demonstrations.

Exploring art and craft specific to Thailand, tasting irresistible authentic Thai cuisine, and playing arcade games, are just a few more fun-filled events available for visitors at the festival premises.

An array of Thai products will also be available for purchase.

While at the festival, you will find Sri Lankan Alumni from Thai universities sharing their experiences with you and willing to answer any questions you might have, related to studying abroad in Thailand.

You can also register for the Muay Thai workshop that will be happening on the 7th and 8th of August, 2026, in Colombo.

Irresistible authentic Thai cuisine

Visitors can also stand a chance to win traditional Thai souvenirs, get exclusive photo opportunities, and, the big one — to enter the raffle draw, at the end of each day, for the grand prize of an all-inclusive round trip to Thailand.

Be sure to avail yourself of this exceptional opportunity and add a cultural spin to your weekend.

To keep up with the latest updates on Thai Festival 2026, head over to the Thai Festival official social media pages.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo official webpage:

https://colombo.thaiembassy.org

Official social media:

Facebook: @RTEColombo

Instagram: @thaiembassysrilanka

Thai Festival official social media:

Facebook: Thai Festival in Colombo

Instagram: @thaifestival_colombo

TikTok: @thaifestival.incolombo

Features

Thicker, stronger hair …

Published

5 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hair fall, in this heat, can be so frustrating, and noticing a thin patch is even more worrying. The good news is … yes, with a little care and kitchen ingredients, you can nourish your scalp and support healthy regrowth.

Try these four easy home remedies … even our grandmothers trusted:

* Coconut Oil and Curry Leaves Tonic:

Warm 04 tablespoons of coconut oil, with a handful of curry leaves, till the leaves turn black. Cool, strain, and massage into scalp 02-03 times a week. Leave for 01 hour, or overnight.

Why:

Coconut oil deeply nourishes, while curry leaves help strengthen roots and add shine.

* Onion Juice for Spot Treatment:

With cotton, dab the juice of 01 small onion, directly on the thin/bald patches. Leave for 20-30 minutes, and then wash with a mild shampoo. Use twice a week.

Why:

Rich in sulfur, onion juice helps boost blood circulation to the scalp.

* Aloe Vera and Castor Oil Mask:

Mix 02 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 tablespoon castor oil and apply to the scalp, focusing on thinning areas. Leave for 45 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

Why:

Aloe vera soothes the scalp, while castor oil coats hair to make it look thicker.

* Fenugreek and Curd Strengthening Pack:

You will need 02 tablespoons fenugreek seeds, soaked overnight, and 02 tablespoons plain curd.

Grind to a paste, apply to scalp for 30 minutes, and then wash.

Why:

Fenugreek strengthens strands and reduces breakage.

Extra Tips for Healthy Hair:

Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.

Eat iron and protein rich foods: greens, dhal, eggs, fish.

Use lukewarm water, not hot.

Be gentle when brushing and drying.