IPS Researchers Guide Stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s Plantation Sector on Estimating Living Wages Using the Anker Methodology

Marking another milestone in IPS’ efforts to positively impact the lives of all Sri Lankans, IPS Research Fellow Dr Manoj Thibbotuwawa and IPS Research Economist Priyanka Jayawardena joined Sally Smith from the Anker Research Institute (ARI) to deliver an engaging half-day training on the “Living Wage Concept and its Application in Sri Lanka’s Plantation Sector.” The workshop was organised by the Fairtrade International and brought together key stakeholders from the tea industry, certification bodies, and development organisations.

The workshop helped build awareness and a greater understanding of the living wage concept, introduce the Anker methodology, and strengthen the capacity of fairtrade producers to apply living wage benchmarks and align with certification and buyer expectations. It also provided a platform for dialogue on practical steps towards achieving sufficient living wages in Sri Lanka’s plantation sector.

Key outcomes included improved understanding of the methodology, enhanced capacity to respond to buyer expectations, and steps toward aligning plantation wage practices with fairtrade and global standards. This initiative to estimate living wages in Sri Lanka’s plantation sector directly contributes towards evidence-based policy and sustainable labour practices.

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