Business
Only 0. 04% of SL’s land parcel allocated for Industrial Zones: Minister
‘Productivity of land utilized for agriculture and plantations very low’
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Industrial Zones that account for 30% of local GDP have received only 0.04 % of the country’s land parcel, while millions of hectares of land utilized by the traditional agriculture and plantation sectors account for only 8% of the GDP because the two industries are lagging behind in their value- addition processes, Minister of Plantation Industries and Minister of Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said on Monday.
Pathirana made these remarks while presenting the keynote speech at Nebada Sadaharitha Estate in the Kalutara district, where the Sadaharitha Group, a leader in the Sri Lankan green commercial forestry sector, marked its 21st anniversary.
Speaking further the Minister said:
“Our plantations industry dates back to more than a century and our agriculture industry is even more ancient. Approximately 4 million of our people directly depend on agriculture. In the past 75 years, we have benefited from these two sectors. A good example for this is in 1952, Sri Lanka and China entered into a rubber-rice pact when the country had to face a shortage of rice and China wanted rubber from Sri Lanka. In 1952, Sri Lanka’s population was 6.3 million. Today the population has increased to about 22 million and enough rice is produced for the nation without an issue.
This is because of the substantial investments we have made in water reservoirs, irrigation systems, seeds distribution and fertilizer subsidies. Tea and rubber also get re-planting subsidies. Cinnamon growers get plants for free. However, the country’s agriculture sector accounts for only 8% of the GDP. So, although millions of hectares of the nation’s land are utilized by the agricultural and plantations industries, there is a clear lack of productivity generated by the nation’s land resource by the traditional agriculture sector. This difference becomes clear to us when we work with the agricultural sector and the industrial sector. There is as little as 0.04% of land allocated for industrial zones of the country and they account for 30% of the GDP.”
“During the recent economic crisis, we realized that although the agriculture industry is good and the plantations industry is also good, they are more prone to dependency and their export-oriented value addition processes are on a back-foot relative to other countries in the world.”
“Our commercial tea industry is as old as 150 years since James Taylor, the Scottish planter, who discovered Sri Lanka had great potential for tea. Ceylon tea brand still fetches the best price in the world vis a vis Kenya and India. But our value addition and brand building fronts are in a very backward position. Our value addition is 40% including the production of 5-kilo bags which is also considered as a value addition.
Traditional tea exporters are not willing to shift from their models. They have historically exported tea to Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Lybia, Syria etc. The trade volume accounts for USD 1.2 billion. We need to be thankful to them for their hard work. In terms of rubber, we have become a centre for producing rigid tyre which generates an income of USD 1 billion. But the productivity in our rubber plantations has declined as tappers tend to exit the industry because of weather conditions.
On the coconut front, there is an increasingly favourable situation for Sri Lanka because there is increasing global demand for coconut and allied products. In 2022, we were able to record an income of USD 836 million from coconut exports. I believe that we will be able to earn USD 2 billion from the coconut and allied product exports in 5 to 7 years. Last year, cinnamon industry earned us USD 300 million. But, with Sri Lanka receiving its first ever Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Ceylon Cinnamon, we shall be able to expand our cinnamon exports in the future.”
“In this context, we need to draw our attention towards other commercial crops which have a demand in the global market including the Agarwood cultivation which Sadaharitha has developed a notable footprint across Sri Lanka in cultivation and has also secured a place for their products in the export market. Further, we have instructed the EDB to promote our coffee exports as global coffee sales volume is as five times as tea. The Malaysian Ambassador in Sri Lanka recently drew my attention to commercial cultivation of Durian fruit and we are looking at the possibility of growing it in rubber plantations where rubber trees are sparse. Further, we are looking at the possibility of expanding our export of fresh fruits to the EU, Australia and New Zealand in addition to the Maldives and the Middle East. For this, we are now in the process of earning international certifications to enter those markets.”
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
Sri Lanka’s financial literacy rate is approximately 58 percent. Such literacy is absolutely necessary for the inclusion of people in the country’s financial system which in turn is central to overall economic development, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said.
‘One needs to have knowledge and skills of a financial nature to figure in financial inclusiveness. While 86 percent of Sri Lanka’s population has access to the country’s financial system, 82 percent of the public has at least a savings account in the country’s banking system, Dr Weerasinghe said.
The Governor made these comments recently at the inauguration of Financial Literacy Month 2026 at the Central Bank’s Centre for Banking Studies, Rajagiriya.
Dr. Weerasinghe added: ‘Suitable, affordable and quality financial instruments are needed to enhance financial literacy in the country.
‘Financial information has to be accurate, risk-free and accountable, thus creating confidentiality in the financial system, which would enable the sector to reach greater heights’.
Meanwhile CBSL sources said: ‘The Literacy Month opened with the two-day ‘FinLit Expo Colombo’. The expo gives the public the opportunity to engage with institutions, better understand financial services, gain practical insights into managing their finances and learn how to protect themselves from financial fraud and scams.
‘The CBSL is leading the program in collaboration with stakeholder institutions. It forms part of the Financial Literacy Roadmap for Sri Lanka, which is implemented under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), the national framework for widening access to and use of formal financial services.
‘The Colombo event will be followed by six regional ‘FinLit Expos’ aimed at direct engagement with local communities. Partner institutions will also run awareness activities. Together, the events are intended to provide financial education to communities and encourage people to apply financial knowledge in everyday life.
‘A public awareness campaign on television, radio, newspapers and social media will extend the program’s reach. The program also includes digital financial literacy activities and the promotion of QR codes and other online payment methods.
‘The public and stakeholder institutions are encouraged to take part in the month’s activities under the theme, “Towards a Financially Literate Sri Lanka”.
HUTCH Sri Lanka strengthened its position as a leader in digital engagement by securing five accolades at SLIM Digis 2.6, emerging as one of the most recognized brands at this year’s digital excellence awards. The achievement was further highlighted by HUTCH being the only telecom operator to be recognized at the event.
Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), SLIM Digis is Sri Lanka’s premier platform celebrating excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements in the digital marketing industry. The recognition highlights HUTCH’s growing strength in digital-first, agile, and creative marketing, and its ability to respond to everyday moments, engage audiences, and deliver impactful digital campaigns.
The Gold Award for Best Use of Agile and Moment Marketing, a Silver for Best Use of Digital in a Marketing Campaign, and a Bronze for Best Performance Marketing were all awarded for “Keeping Sri Lanka Connected Through Ditwah,” HUTCH’s response to the cyclone that struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, recognised for the speed and relevance with which HUTCH kept customers better connected and informed.
HUTCH Roaming also earned two further Bronze awards for Best Use of Digital in a Marketing Campaign and Best Use of Creative Content. Bringing together AI-led storytelling, the campaign was designed around distinct customer clusters, each characterized by unique travel behaviours, needs, and perceptions, delivering relevant content for different audiences within a single overarching campaign.
“These wins are a strong reflection of how HUTCH approaches marketing today, staying close to the moments that matter to our customers and responding with speed, relevance, and creativity. Being the only telco recognised at SLIM DIGIS 2.6, and across five categories, is proof that agility and thoughtful storytelling can go hand in hand. This recognition reflects the collective efforts with our strategic partners, whose collaboration, expertise, and shared commitment brought great campaigns to life,” said Hamdhy Hassen, Chief Marketing Officer, HUTCH Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Smart Luxury Business Hotel to Host Delegates and Contestants from Over 40 Countries as the Island Nation Hosts Its First-Ever Global Pageant of This Scale
Fairway Colombo, a subsidiary of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, has been appointed as the Official Accommodation Partner for Manhunt International 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious male pageants, scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.
The event marks a historic milestone for Sri Lanka, as the country prepares to host a global pageant of this scale for the very first time. More than 40 contestants representing countries from across the world will arrive in Colombo, bringing together diverse cultures, international media attention, and a global audience — further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and hospitality.
As the official accommodation partner, Fairway Colombo will welcome and host international delegates and contestants throughout their stay in Colombo, delivering the exceptional hospitality experience and personalized service that the hotel is recognized for.
A Landmark Partnership for Sri Lankan Tourism
“We are truly honored to be selected as the Official Accommodation Partner for Manhunt International 2026. This partnership is a proud moment not only for Fairway Colombo but also for Sri Lanka as a whole. Hosting an event of this global stature provides us with an opportunity to showcase our commitment to smart luxury, innovation, and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality to an international audience. We look forward to creating a memorable and seamless experience for all delegates and guests,” said Avinga Wanigasekara, General Manager of Fairway Colombo.
Strategically located in the heart of Colombo’s historic Fort district, Fairway Colombo is recognized as a Smart Luxury Business Hotel, combining modern comfort, advanced technology, and exceptional service. As part of Fairway Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, the property represents the group’s vision of delivering innovative, world-class experiences across the hospitality and leisure sectors.
Cabinet approves redrafting of State Assets Management Act
Cooperative Employees Commission Act No. 12 of 1972 to be amended
Dilki Wathsala Marambage appointed as Director General of the Department of Technical Education and Training
Declaration of Naakolagane Sanctuary under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance
Cabinet approves transfer and maintenance of selected roads presently under PC’s and Local Authorities to the RDA
Obtaining financial facilities for the Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Program (Sub-program 2) from the ADB
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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