Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday, 14 January 2026 05:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to lease out underutilised State-owned plantation lands and properties to suitable investors, as part of the Government’s broader strategy to improve asset utilisation, attract private investment and enhance productivity in the plantation sector.
The move will be implemented through the prescribed procurement procedures, ensuring transparency and competitive selection of investors.
Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the decision covers stage II underutilised lands and properties owned or managed by several State plantation institutions, which were not included in the earlier disposal phase.
He said move is expected to unlock economic value from idle assets, encourage private sector participation, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen the financial sustainability of State plantation entities.
Under the Cabinet approval, underutilised lands and properties (Stage Two) owned by Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, Janatha State Development Board and Elkaduwa Plantation Company.
“Mawarala Watte land and tea factory, extending 40.48 hectares, located in the Matara District, belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund and 1,541 hectares of underutilised land at Kondachchi Estate, currently under the purview of the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation will be considered,” he added.
On 2 June 2025, Cabinet approved the disposal of stage I underutilised lands and properties belonging to the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, Janatha State Development Board and Elkaduwa Plantation Company. Action is currently underway to lease those assets to suitable investors.
However, he said it was observed that a number of underutilised lands not included in Stage One remained idle under the relevant institutions. “The latest Cabinet decision addresses this gap by extending the leasing programme to stage two assets, ensuring broader coverage and improved utilisation of State-owned plantation lands,” he added.
