A full-day workshop was recently held at the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy, bringing together regulators, industry experts, and organic farmers to discuss aligning Sri Lanka’s organic regulations with Great Britain’s (GB) organic standards. This initiative, a critical step towards gaining recognition from the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), is expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the international organic market while reducing certification costs and encouraging more farmers and processors to transition to organic agriculture.
The event, organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board - National Organic Control Unit (EDB-NOCU), and guided by the EDB Central Province Office, was conducted under the UK Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme. The UKTP Programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), aims to maximize the benefits of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) to increase trade from developing nations to the UK and EU. Sri Lanka has been identified as a key beneficiary in the organic sector under this initiative.
As part of the broader UKTP efforts, the workshop built upon previous engagements, including a stakeholder validation workshop in March 2024, where Sri Lanka’s organic standards were assessed against IFOAM and GB organic regulations. Following this, the ITC and NOCU conducted a series of technical discussions, leading to amendments in the Sri Lankan Organic Regulation (Gazette) to align with GB standards. This alignment is an essential milestone towards mutual recognition with other international organic standards, such as those of the EU, paving the way for greater market access.
The workshop facilitated discussions on key regulatory changes, organic certification, labeling requirements, import regulations, and control mechanisms necessary for strengthening Sri Lanka’s organic sector. It featured expert insights from Mr. Tom Nizet, the ITC International Consultant; Mr. Murugiah Rajasingham, ITC National Consultant; Ms. Ganiesha De Silva, Assistant Director of the Sri Lanka Standards Institution; and Ms. Vinoka Perera, Assistant Director of EDB-NOCU. Additionally, Mr. Jayalath Hewage, Deputy Director of the Central Province Office-EDB, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of aligning national organic regulations with global benchmarks.
With the global demand for organic products on the rise, this initiative marks a turning point for Sri Lanka’s organic industry, ensuring that the country remains a key player in international trade. The workshop played a crucial role in informing stakeholders about the upcoming regulatory changes and strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to establish a sustainable and internationally recognized organic agriculture framework in Sri Lanka.
