Unleashing Transformation in Sri Lanka's Plantations Industry: A Journey Towards Sustainable Growth and Economic Prosperity Guided by Honesty and Integrity at the Ministerial Level

It was an extraordinary experience witnessing the Ministry of Plantations industries exhibit their exceptional teamwork at the national-level exhibition, which commenced on the 22nd June at BMICH. The active involvement of the esteemed Hon (Dr) Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Plantations Industries, and the highly experienced Secretary to the Ministry, Mr. Janaka Dharmakirthie, was truly inspiring, especially considering his roots in the central hills amidst the Plantations industry.

Unlike many other politicians in the country, Hon Ramesh Pathirana stands apart with an untarnished reputation and unwavering integrity. Similarly, his counterpart, the Secretary, possesses an unblemished moral character, except for his personal aversion to Oil Palm cultivation. Remarkably, even prior to his appointment as Minister, Hon Ramesh Pathirana maintained this stance despite the persuasive efforts of his close planter friends and senior scientists, who view Oil Palm cultivation as "black gold" akin to the perspectives held by tropical countries like Malaysia, India, and Indonesia.

We earnestly hope that President Ranil Wickremasinghe will embrace a broader outlook and contribute to the development of 30,000 smallholders, enabling them to achieve a high per capita income. Moreover, this step would save approximately 200 million USD annually, which is currently expended on importing crude palm oil—a product that no nutritionist or food scientist has declared as unhealthy for human consumption.

The team at the exhibition showcased their products, primarily targeting export markets, with a strong emphasis on value addition. As Sri Lankans, we can take immense pride in these accomplishments. Despite the setbacks faced by other industries due to the global corona pandemic, the plantations industry continues to generate much-needed foreign revenue. It operates as a self-sufficient community, providing residential facilities for all its employees, resembling a "country within a country." Undoubtedly, the plantations industry stands as a significant and sustainable contributor to Sri Lanka's national economy.

However, we firmly believe that every industry should set well-calculated financial goals in terms of annual revenue, denominated in USD. The Ceylon Planters Society has consistently highlighted that earning 10 billion USD would be an achievable and comfortable revenue goal for the Plantations industry. This would not only enhance the industry's ability to attract and retain top talent but also contribute substantially and meaningfully to alleviating the acute poverty prevalent across all strata of society. By implementing well-crafted strategies, Sri Lanka can aspire to achieve a per capita income of 12,000 USD. The plantations industry qualifies to give clear leadership to this national endeavor.

Recognizing the need for cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset within the industry, the Secretary, being a passionate and talented civil servant, has entrusted the Chairman and the Director/CEO of the National Institute of Plantations Management with the task. The institute's efforts to exchange technology, products, and lucrative markets with other countries, effectively going global, are highly motivating to witness.

To expedite the achievement of the 10 billion USD revenue goal, it is crucial to provide comprehensive investment appraisals for all crops cultivated within the industry, including Tea, Rubber, Coconuts, Oil Palm, Cinnamon, Export Agri crops, and forestry. Interested Agripreneurs should have access to these appraisals, facilitating their engagement in sustainable, long and short-term investments. Such support becomes imperative as large land holdings can only be considered assets if they consistently deliver appreciable value.

Furthermore, strategic management of the plantations industry is of paramount importance. It is high time we seek both competitive and comparative advantages through strategic means. Commercially cultivated Tea and other edibles should adopt traceability, chain of custody, and highlight their nutrient density as unique value propositions, partly derived from Sri Lanka's favorable climate and rich soils. By embracing a Total Quality Management (TQM) culture, measuring and improving each step of the processes, and promoting the medicinal properties of tea, we can command a better price for our products. Tea, for instance, is an herbal drink known for its immunity-boosting properties. Similar marketing strategies can be applied to cinnamon, palm oil (locally produced with low aflatoxin levels), coconuts (highlighting their fat content and fiber), and fruits (emphasizing their nutrient density). This approach may also benefit the local coffee and spice industries. Business process re-engineering is highly applicable to almost all crops in the plantations, starting from spatial factors, soil composition, water management, soil carbon, and even soil microbes.

Moreover, introducing effective Human Resources Management practices will ensure both sustainability and growth within the industry, thereby contributing to GDP growth and ultimately realizing the goal of becoming a developed country. Hon Ramesh Pathirana and Secretary Mr. Dharmakirthie serve as exemplary role models, championing a new political culture in Sri Lanka—one that values integrity and progressive thinking.

Lalin I. De Silva, was a Senior Planter, Agricultural Advisor / Consultant, Secretary General of Ceylon Planters Society, Editor of the Bulletin. Free-lance Journalist.