Planters’ Association records industry turn around in 2007

Creating a landmark in its 154-year-old history, the Planters’ Association of Ceylon, had a lady as the Chief Guest, Secretary, Ministry of Plantation Industries, Indrani Sugathadasa when it held its Annual General Meeting at the Galadari Hotel’s Ballroom last week. Addressing the large gathering of the country’s senior plantation executives she said this was “an important and historic milestone in gender equality.”

She was especially appreciative of the vital role the planters played. She said: “There is no doubt that the planters, including all stakeholders in tea, rubber, coconut, oil palm and other agricultural products are rendering a valuable service to the country through their contribution to the national economy.

Secretary General Indrani Sugathadasa, Secretary Malin Goonetileke, Ministry of Plantation Industries and G.D.V. Perera, who was elected as the new Chairman while the outgoing Chairman, G.K, Seneviratne addresses the gathering.

They have paid a heavy price for keeping the industry alive and continuing to be Sri Lanka’s backbone. No debate about it. In fact we all know that it was Ceylon Tea which paved the way for Sri Lanka then Ceylon, to be visible in the world map.”

Speaking of more fundamental issues of the industry she said “There were some structural changes in recent years which resulted in a transformation in the industry. Plantation reforms are of utmost importance in order to achieve global excellence. Improvement in quality, productivity and value addition are key components in this process.”

She also emphasized the importance of protecting the environment. “The plantation sector has a big responsibility and a commitment to maintain a substantial forest cover in preserving the environment. I know the Regional Plantation Companies have Forestry Plans approved. The harvesting of forests and the reforestation programmes must be done according to these plans.”

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon has 181 members that manage a total of 426 factories, production units of which 336 are tea factories, 88 rubber factories and 2 Coconut DC mills, manufacturing units.

Tea accounts for 84,318.19 hectares under PA membership which is 37.98% of the national extent of 222,000 hectares. Rubber accounts for 49,158.30 hectares which is 40.96% of the national extent of 120,000 hectares and coconut and other crops 31,520,89 hectares.

The year 2007 witnessed a turn around with the RPCs showing positive performances despite an unscheduled wage increase. However tea production declined to 305 mn kg compared to 311 mn kg in the previous year. Disruptions to harvesting arising from trade union activity may have contributed to a reduced performance.

The Chairman, G.K, Seneviratne who relinquished his position at the meeting referred to some of the pressing issues that affect the industry. “There is still the somewhat vexing matter of the Cess levied on tea and rubber.

Essentially a Cess on an agricultural product must, finally be of benefit to the industry that it was derived from. It is our view that greater proportion of the Cess should be re-disbursed to the industry to assist in specific areas of development” he said.

Director of Kotagala Plantations Ltd., and Deputy Chairman of Planters’ Association G.D.V. Perera was unanimously appointed as the new Chairman. S.K.L. Obeyesekere, CEO of Madulsima Plantations Ltd., and Balangoda Plantations Ltd., was appointed Deputy Chairman.