Features

Ceylon Tobacco’s role in the emergence of Sri Lanka’s cut flower industry

Published

3 years ago

2024/01/7

by ACB Pethiyagoda

Some years ago (in 2012) this newspaper carried an interesting article by Sunela Jayewardene on the book “Wild Flowers of Sri Lanka” by Aritha Wikremanayake. 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 1000 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 small holder 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 25 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, an ex-planter who joined Ceylon Tobacco Co. Ltd. Later in his career was first published in this newspaper in Feb. 2012)

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

18 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

18 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

18 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.