Watawala Plantations PLC (CSE: WATA), Sri Lanka’s leading diversified agribusiness company, marked a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural landscape with the opening of its state-of-the-art cinnamon processing centre in Udugama, Galle. Completed with an investment of LKR 90 million, this facility is one of the largest cinnamon processing centre’s in Sri Lanka, which operates under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards. The facility was opened by Watawala Plantations PLC Director, Vish Govindasamy.
Spanned across over 100 hectares of cinnamon-cultivated land, the cinnamon processing centre will have a processing capacity of 900,000 cinnamon trees with an annual output of 100,000 kilos of processed cinnamon in two harvesting seasons. The centre is also equipped for cinnamon leaf oil processing, adding significant value to this remarkable crop. Furthermore, it will generate more than 200 direct and indirect job opportunities, contributing to the community’s socioeconomic development by providing jobs and stimulating economic growth in the Udugama area.
“The inauguration of our state-of-the-art cinnamon processing centre in Udugama marks a proud moment for Watawala Plantations PLC. This facility represents our unwavering commitment to agriculture excellence and underscores our dedication to empowering local communities through job creation and stimulating economic growth in the region. We believe that this centre will not only produce export-quality cinnamon but also cultivate opportunities and growth, further enhancing Sri Lanka’s position on the global stage as a premier cinnamon producer,” commented Prasanna Premachandra, Deputy General Manager – Operations at Watawala Plantations PLC.
The facility boasts a massive footprint and conforms to rigorous local and international standards, ensuring the highest quality of cinnamon products. Moreover, the centre’s scientifically designed floor plan and structure provide maximum efficiency and product quality. In addition to processing its crop, Watawala Plantations PLC will actively buy cinnamon from third-party farmers, empowering them with a reliable platform to sell their harvest.
Sri Lanka’s cinnamon industry has long been renowned for producing some of the world’s finest and most sought-after varieties. The country’s favourable climate and unique soil conditions provide the ideal environment for cultivating this aromatic spice, known for its sweet and warm flavour. Sri Lanka’s cinnamon, often called “Ceylon Cinnamon,” has gained global recognition for its superior quality and distinct taste.
With the inauguration of state-of-the-art processing centres like this, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for high-quality cinnamon in international markets. This growing demand presents significant export opportunities, as Sri Lanka can leverage its reputation for producing premium cinnamon to access global markets and meet the increasing consumer preference for natural and flavorful spices. By maintaining stringent quality standards and innovative processing techniques, Sri Lanka’s cinnamon industry is set to further elevate its status as a top cinnamon exporter and contribute to its economic growth.