Colombo (ECONOMYNEXT) – Sri Lanka’s quest to secure Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Ceylon Tea is making steady progress, with full implementation expected by the end of 2025, according to the Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB).
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, SLTB Chairperson Rajpal Obeyesekere stated that the application for GI certification was submitted around September 2024, with support from the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD). Following the submission, the European Commission (EC) had requested a set of clarifications, which the SLTB provided in March 2025.
Obeyesekere indicated that technical and legal experts anticipate the European Commission’s report on the GI application will be issued within six months from March, likely by September this year. Simultaneously, the SLTB has initiated local preparatory work, completing seven key tasks necessary for the full rollout of the GI framework, in collaboration with French partners. Final documentation is expected to be ready by October 2025, ensuring Sri Lanka will be prepared for immediate implementation once EU approvals are secured.
However, Obeyesekere noted that the GI certification process includes a window for objections. Should any objections arise, the SLTB is prepared to undertake legal measures to address them swiftly.
The drive to secure GI certification began with a €1 million tripartite agreement signed in December 2021 between the SLTB, the French Development Agency (AFD), and CIRAD. The four-year project focuses on establishing the necessary certification systems and providing technical expertise to validate Ceylon Tea’s distinctive quality, heritage, and global reputation.
GI certification is expected to enhance the brand value of Ceylon Tea both locally and internationally by formally linking the product’s reputation and unique characteristics to Sri Lanka’s territory through intellectual property protections.