Ceylon Tobacco secures 87 acre land on 30-year lease for sustainable forest farming

The Ceylon Tobacco Company has secured a 30-year long-term lease for a forest farming project in Ratnapura district.

A land extent of 87 acres with three roods and 25 perches is in Maduwanwala Nindagama Watte, in the Panamura Grama Niladhari division within the Divisional Secretariat division of Embilipitiya, located in the district of Ratnapura. The decision follows a formal request by Ceylon Tobacco to the Land Reforms Commission, seeking a portion of land for a forest farming project.  

“The project proposal submitted by Ceylon Tobacco underwent rigorous evaluation by the Ministry, which assessed its viability and potential impact. 

The Ministry’s scrutiny ensured that the forest farming project aligns with environmental considerations and sustainable land use practices,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said the proposal, presented to the Cabinet of Ministers by Lands Minister Harin Fernando, received unanimous approval.