Sri Lanka's plantation sector took a significant step forward on 19 September as the Planters' Association of Ceylon (PAC) held its 172nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the prestigious Cinnamon Grand in Colombo. The landmark event saw the appointment of new leadership and the unveiling of a forward-looking five-point plan aimed at breathing new life into one of the country's most historically important industries. Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC Director and CEO Shanaka Samaradiwakara was appointed as the incoming Chairman of the PAC, while Kahawatte Plantations PLC Director and CEO Binesh Pananwala was named Deputy Chairman, setting the stage for a renewed push toward industry transformation.
New Leadership at the Helm of the Planters' Association
The appointment of Shanaka Samaradiwakara as Chairman marks a pivotal moment for the Planters' Association of Ceylon, an institution with a rich history spanning more than 170 years. Samaradiwakara brings with him extensive experience in plantation management, having led Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC through some of the sector's most challenging periods. His elevation to the chairmanship signals a collective desire within the industry to pursue bold reforms and sustainable growth strategies.
Alongside him, Binesh Pananwala of Kahawatte Plantations PLC steps into the role of Deputy Chairman, adding another layer of seasoned leadership to the association's executive team. Both appointments were met with broad support from members gathered at the AGM, reflecting confidence in the new leadership's ability to address the complex challenges facing the plantation sector today.
The 5-Point Plan for Industry Revival
At the heart of the 172nd AGM was the incoming Chairman's ambitious five-point plan designed to revitalize Sri Lanka's plantation industry. While full details of the plan are expected to be elaborated upon in the coming weeks, the framework is understood to address several critical areas that have long hindered the sector's growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
The plan is reported to focus on improving productivity and yield across tea, rubber, and other plantation crops, which have seen stagnation in recent years due to aging bushes, outdated cultivation techniques, and a shortage of skilled labor. Samaradiwakara is expected to champion the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and best practices to reverse these trends and position Sri Lankan plantation produce as a premium offering in international markets.
A second key pillar of the plan centers on worker welfare and labor retention. The plantation sector has faced a persistent challenge in attracting and retaining a younger workforce, with many estate workers seeking employment in urban centers or abroad. Addressing housing, healthcare, education, and fair wages for estate communities is seen as essential not only from a humanitarian perspective but also as a strategic necessity for long-term industry sustainability.
The third element of the revival plan is understood to involve strengthening the supply chain and value addition processes within the industry. By encouraging greater investment in processing facilities and branding initiatives, the PAC aims to help plantation companies capture more value from their produce rather than exporting raw commodities at lower margins.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility form the fourth pillar of the incoming Chairman's vision. With global buyers increasingly demanding ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products, Sri Lankan plantations must align with international sustainability standards. This includes responsible land management, water conservation, and reducing the carbon footprint of plantation operations.
The fifth point of the plan is focused on policy advocacy and fostering stronger collaboration between the private sector, government bodies, and international stakeholders. The PAC under Samaradiwakara's leadership intends to engage proactively with policymakers to create an enabling environment for investment and innovation within the plantation sector.
A Historic AGM with National Significance
The 172nd AGM of the Planters' Association of Ceylon was graced by senior dignitaries, underscoring the national importance of the plantation industry to Sri Lanka's economy. The tea and rubber sectors remain among the country's most significant contributors to export earnings and rural employment, making the health of the plantation industry a matter of broad economic concern.
Industry observers have welcomed the new leadership's proactive approach, noting that the plantation sector has faced extraordinary pressures in recent years, including the fallout from the country's economic crisis, the impact of the organic fertilizer policy debacle, and global commodity price fluctuations. A coherent and well-executed revival strategy is seen as long overdue.
Looking Ahead
With Shanaka Samaradiwakara at the helm and a clear five-point agenda on the table, the Planters' Association of Ceylon appears poised to enter a new chapter in its storied history. The coming months will be critical in translating this vision into concrete action, as the industry watches closely to see how the new leadership navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Sri Lanka's plantation sector.