By: Staff Writer
October 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is taking a major step to safeguard its most famous export — Ceylon Tea — by applying for Geographical Indication (GI) status from the European Union, a move aimed at protecting authenticity, curbing counterfeits, and boosting export value. The initiative, supported by a €1 million French-funded program, is expected to give Ceylon Tea stronger legal recognition and market advantage across Europe and beyond.
Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Raaj Obeysekere described the certification drive as a landmark effort to preserve the tea’s identity and enhance its global profile. Speaking at a forum in Colombo on “Perspectives on Geographical Indication in Sri Lanka,” Obeysekere said GI registration would strengthen brand credibility and reward the country’s tea producers.
“GI status is a powerful tool that safeguards the origin of Ceylon Tea, combats imitation, and positions it as a premium global product,” he said. “It ensures fair value for our producers and long-term benefits for rural communities.”
The certification initiative is being financed through a €1 million grant from Agence Française de Développement (AFD), France’s development agency, which has helped similar projects in nearly 20 countries.
AFD Country Director Yazid Bensaïd said the initiative reflects France’s long-standing commitment to promoting sustainable trade and quality assurance. “Tea is Sri Lanka’s second-largest export and employs more than one million people. The GI process here has been deeply participatory, involving over 500 stakeholders to define quality standards and establish a robust control system,” he noted.
The technical groundwork was led by France’s Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), which also assisted Sri Lanka in securing GI recognition for Ceylon Cinnamon in 2022. CIRAD Legal Researcher Dr. Delphine Marie-Vivien said the process was rooted in collaboration and trust.
“Defining rules collectively is essential to protecting a product’s reputation,” she said. “The strength of this project lies in the strong commitment and shared motivation of Sri Lankan partners.”
Plantations Minister Samantha Vidyaratne acknowledged France’s support since 2021, emphasizing that Ceylon Tea’s global reputation must now be reinforced through international standards. “Ceylon Tea has been synonymous with Sri Lanka for 150 years,” he said. “In today’s competitive markets, GI recognition is not just a label it’s a necessity. Our application has been submitted, and I am confident of its approval.”
French Ambassador to Sri Lanka Rémi Lambert said the GI recognition would put Ceylon Tea among the world’s most prestigious regional products. “Once registered, Ceylon Tea will join the global family of certified products whose heritage and quality are protected,” he said. “Just as Champagne and Piment d’Espelette represent France, Ceylon Tea will stand as a proud symbol of Sri Lanka.”
