Sri Lanka has reached a significant milestone in protecting and promoting Geographical Indications (GI) with the establishment of its national GI registry. The official handing over of the first GI application for Ceylon Cinnamon recently took place in Colombo, marking a major step in securing the authenticity and competitiveness of Sri Lankan products in global markets.
The initiative began with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) submitting an application for GI registration of Ceylon Cinnamon, in line with the UNIDO-led GI roadmap funded by the STDF. Despite challenges such as limited private-sector coordination and capacity, Sri Lanka successfully navigated multiple rounds of inquiries and legal amendments.
A critical breakthrough came when international GI experts, engaged through UNIDO, supported a comprehensive resubmission of the GI dossier. This addressed technical concerns from the European Union (EU), particularly regarding the geographical linkage of Ceylon Cinnamon. After overcoming strong opposition from the German Spice Association, Sri Lanka secured EU GI registration for Ceylon Cinnamon on 3 February 2022.
Following this success, efforts were directed towards establishing a local GI framework. With the approval of necessary regulations and legal provisions, the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), in collaboration with the EDB and UNIDO, successfully set up Sri Lanka’s GI registry. This registry enables farmers and producers’ associations to register and protect their products, ensuring authenticity and a competitive advantage in the market.
After three to four years of dedicated work, Sri Lanka is now celebrating this historic achievement. The GI registry introduces a modern intellectual property system, allowing farmers and producers’ associations to safeguard their valuable products and strengthen their position in international markets.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka aims to expand GI protection beyond the EU, with ongoing efforts to register Ceylon Cinnamon in key Latin American markets such as Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. These efforts have been supported by pro bono legal expertise, reinforcing the country’s commitment to protecting its valuable exports.
The high-level event was attended by key government officials, including Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development; Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security; Mr. K.A. Vimalenthirarajah, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development; Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Export Development Board; Mr. Shantha Ranathunga; Ms. Geethanjalie Ranawaka, Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka; Chairman of the Coconut Development Authority; and representatives from key private-sector stakeholders.
This landmark development not only strengthens Sri Lanka’s global trade footprint but also safeguards the country’s rich heritage and premium agricultural products for future generations.
