IPS Supports the Strengthening of Sri Lanka’s Tea Industry through the Integration of the Geographical Indications (GI) System.

Date: 16 October 2025

“A Geographical Indication (GI) system is vital for Sri Lanka as it differentiates Sri Lankan products in global markets, safeguards them against imitation, attracts investment, enhances producer incomes, increases premium prices and production, expands market opportunities, and ultimately contributes to the country’s overall economic growth,” explained IPS Research Economist, Dilani Hirimuthugodage, during her presentation at the ‘Perspectives on Geographical Indications in Sri Lanka’ conference.

Ms. Hirimuthugodage was the lead researcher on the recently concluded Ceylon Tea GI project, which supported the Sri Lanka Tea Board in its efforts to obtain GI protection for Ceylon tea. GI protection is crucial for Sri Lanka’s exports to the European Union (EU), while GI mapping creates opportunities for origin-linked products across Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka can enhance its GI system by aligning with international best practices to streamline registration and implementation, thereby maximising its economic benefits,” stated Ms. Hirimuthugodage, sharing examples of successful GI systems in other Asian countries. She shared these insights during a panel discussion on opportunities to further develop GIs in Sri Lanka. “A robust legal framework, empowered producer governance, and strategic quality and marketing initiatives led by the government, private sector, industry associations, and other stakeholders, are vital to strengthening Sri Lanka’s GI system and unlocking its full economic potential for local producers and consumers.”

The conference featured panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions with local and international experts, exploring GI as a tool for sustainable development and strategic intellectual property (IP). The project team also shared their experience and lessons learned from preparing the Book of Specifications and quality assurance mechanism for EU approval of Ceylon tea exports. Key stakeholders from the tea industry, policymakers, representatives of other agricultural and craft sectors, academics, legal experts, EU delegations, and other foreign embassies attended this event.

The conference was co-organised by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), and IPS, under the patronage of the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.