Sri Lanka’s globally renowned Ceylon Tea industry is poised to enter a new phase of value-added, knowledge-based exports with the introduction of Biotechnology 4.0 to the country’s botanical sector.
A major step in this science-driven transformation was marked this week when the Board of Investment (BOI) approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art botanical extraction facility by Natex Extracts (Pvt) Limited.
The project, supported by foreign direct investment (FDI) of USD 1.5 million (over LKR 450 million), will be set up at the Pallekele Export Processing Zone in Kandy, strategically located in Sri Lanka’s central tea-growing region. The facility aims to harness advanced biotechnological processes to enhance the global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s botanical and tea-based exports.
Technological leadership for the initiative will be provided by Dr. Samuel Perm Mathi Maran, a distinguished scientist with expertise in phytopharmaceutical innovation, botanical drug research, and green biotechnology. His involvement is expected to position the facility at the forefront of sustainable, high-value botanical extraction.
The project is seen as a key milestone in Sri Lanka’s shift toward science-led industrialisation, strengthening the country’s presence in the global botanical and nutraceutical markets while adding greater value to its iconic Ceylon Tea brand.
