Cabinet approves overhaul of plantation sector laws to align with 2025 policy priorities

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says move will see introduction of new laws and amendment of existing Acts

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved a comprehensive legislative overhaul that will see several key Acts amended and new laws introduced in 2025 towards modernising the plantation sector.

The move comes as part of the Government’s broader strategy to realign legal frameworks with evolving national policies and industry needs in the plantation and community infrastructure sectors.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said, the Government has recognised the urgent need to revise outdated statutes and empower relevant institutions to effectively manage the country’s vital tea, rubber, and coconut industries.

Among the changes is the amendment of cornerstone legislations such as the Tea, Rubber and Coconut Estates (Control of Fragmentation) Act No. 2 of 1958, the Tea Control Act No. 51 of 1957, the Rubber Control Act No. 11 of 1956, and the Coconut Development Act No. 46 of 1971.

“These amendments aim to introduce modern regulatory mechanisms, improve land management and enhance production standards,” he added.

Amendments will also be made to the Tea Shakthi Fund Act No. 47 of 2000, the Samumyamoothi Thandaman Memorial Foundation Act No. 19 of 2005 and the Tea Board Act No. 14 of 1975, which will likely focus on enhancing institutional capacity, financial governance and support for smallholders.

Dr. Jayatissa said new legislation will also be introduced, including a Plantation Management Act, which is expected to establish a centralised legal framework for overseeing plantation operations and governance. Additionally, a new law will empower the Department of Rubber Development with authority over Thurusaviya Societies, further consolidating sectoral oversight.

The proposal to this effect submitted by Plantation and Community Infrastructure Facilities Minister Samantha Viddyarathna was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

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