Dilani Hirimuthugodage Advocates for Geographical Indication Protection for Sri Lanka’s Spice Sector

27 February 2024

Dilani Hirimuthugodage, Research Economist at IPS, highlighted the importance of a Geographical Indication (GI) protection system for the Sri Lankan spice sector and the socio-economic benefits during a panel discussion on “Spice Horizons: Tracing the Legacy of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Ceylon Cinnamon and the Future of Other PGI Products for Export Development”. The event organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)-Sri Lanka was held at the Water’s Edge, Battaramulla.

In addressing challenges related to supply-chain volatility due to climate change, Hirimuthugodage recommended proactive measures for authorities in the spice sector. She suggested the adoption of GI certification with its stringent control mechanisms, to ensure products quality, aligning with consumers’ expectations. Referring to a European Union survey conducted in Sri Lanka, she highlighted that 40% of respondents expressed a willingness to pay a 10% higher premium for quality products. Furthermore, she emphasised that GI certification not only benefits the certified product but also opens avenues for other spices to receive certification. This, in turn, can boost production, create employment opportunities in rural areas, and promote eco-tourism.

The panel discussion and the Q&A session were mainly focused on the future of the spice sector in Sri Lanka and featured panelists from various industry and government entities including Mr Melvin Spreij, Head of Standards and Trade Development Facility Secretariat; Mr K.S. Wijayakeeerthi, Additional Secretary (Minor Export Crops), Plantation Industries Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries; Mr. Viraj De Silva, Chairperson of The Spice Council; Mr. Christopher Fernando, Chairperson of the Spices and Allied Products Producers’ and Traders’ Association; and Mr. Sarada de Silva, Chairperson of the Cinnamon Training Academy. The event was graced by Hon. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industries and Health; Hon. Dilum Amunugama, State Minister of the State Ministry of Investment Promotion; and Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. International delegates representing the European Union, JICA, IFC, senior government officials, members of private associations, and media were among the other participants.