By: Staff Writer
May 06, Colombo (LNW): In a bold move underscoring the growing role of the private sector in Sri Lanka’s agricultural development, Browns Investments PLC (BIL), a subsidiary of the diversified LOLC Group, has expanded its plantation portfolio with the acquisition of FLMC Plantations Ltd. The deal, valued at Rs. 4.8 billion, marks a significant milestone in the revitalisation of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
FLMC Plantations, now under Browns Investments, acts as the managing agent for Pussellawa Plantations Ltd. (PPL) and Melfort Green Teas Ltd., both of which operate in the island’s renowned tea-growing regions including Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Sabaragamuwa. PPL alone manages over 11,500 hectares across 24 estates, cultivating 5,400 hectares of tea and 5,900 hectares of rubber, with an annual yield of 4.3 million kilograms of tea and 2.3 million kilograms of rubber.
This acquisition reinforces Browns Investments’ commitment to consolidating its plantation operations. It complements the company’s existing holdings, including Maturata Plantations, Udapussellawa Plantations, Hapugastenne Plantations, and Tea Smallholder Factories PLC. With the inclusion of FLMC, the Group’s annual tea production now totals approximately 17.5 million kilograms, securing its status as Sri Lanka’s largest tea producer.
LOLC Group Managing Director and CEO Kapila Jayawardena described the move as a strategic milestone in the company’s global growth trajectory. “This acquisition strengthens our leadership in the tea sector and enhances our capacity to supply premium-quality tea to international markets,” he said, highlighting the Group’s dual focus on sustainability and export excellence.
Beyond Sri Lanka, the LOLC Group has firmly established itself as the world’s largest tea producer and exporter, with an annual output of around 100 million kilograms. Its global tea operations span China, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, through subsidiaries like Browns Plantation Guizhou Tea Company, Limuru Tea PLC, and Browns Plantations East Africa.
Aligned with the United Nations Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals, the Group is committed to climate action, environmental sustainability, and rural economic development. This expansion signals a strong private sector commitment to revitalising Sri Lanka’s plantation sector while reinforcing the country’s global reputation for premium tea.
As Browns spearheads this transformation, Sri Lanka’s tea industry is poised for a new era of growth—driven by private investment, strategic consolidation, and a focus on global competitiveness.
