Sri Lanka has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to protect and promote Geographical Indications (GI), culminating in the establishment of the national GI registry. This event was officially held recently in Colombo, marking a major step forward in securing the authenticity and competitiveness of Sri Lankan products in international markets.
The journey began with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) submitting an application for the GI registration of Ceylon Cinnamon, following the UNIDO-led GI roadmap funded by the STDF. Despite challenges such as limited private-sector coordination and capacity, Sri Lanka navigated multiple rounds of inquiries and legal amendments.
A crucial breakthrough came when international GI experts, engaged through UNIDO, supported the development of a comprehensive resubmission of the GI dossier. This meticulous effort addressed technical concerns from the European Union (EU), particularly regarding the geographical linkage of Ceylon Cinnamon. Ultimately, after overcoming strong opposition from the German Spice Association, Sri Lanka secured EU GI registration for Ceylon Cinnamon on February 3, 2022.
Following this success, the focus shifted toward 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 established Sri Lanka’s GI registry. This registry enables farmers and producers' associations to register and protect their products, ensuring authenticity and a competitive market advantage.
After three to four years of dedicated efforts, Sri Lanka is now celebrating this remarkable achievement. The opening of the GI registry marks a historic milestone, introducing a modern intellectual property system. This initiative provides farmers and producers' associations with the opportunity to register and safeguard their valuable products, ensuring authenticity and enhancing their position in international markets.
Sri Lanka now sets its sights on expanding GI protection beyond the EU. Efforts are underway to register Ceylon Cinnamon in key Latin American markets, including Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. This initiative has been supported by pro bono legal expertise, further reinforcing Sri Lanka’s commitment to protecting its valuable exports.
As Sri Lanka inaugurates its GI registry, the country celebrates not just a legal victory but a milestone in preserving its heritage and strengthening its global trade footprint.
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, Chairman of the Coconut Development Authority; and representatives from key private-sector stakeholders.
