• Debating between national and region-specific GI  
• GI for pepper to take 7-8 more months
• Local registration of GI for Ceylon golden pineapple almost complete
• Considering GI for cashew, palmyrah, kitul 

The Ministry of Plantation Industries is in the process of determining whether Sri Lanka will seek a Geographical Indication (GI) for Ceylon pepper on a region-specific basis, while the GI for Ceylon golden pineapple is in its final stages, awaiting the conclusion of local registration.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Ministry of Plantation Industries Development of Minor Export Crops Plantation Division Director (Development) R.C. Watawala stated that they had been working towards obtaining a GI for Ceylon pepper for a while. 

He added that they were currently in the process of determining whether the GI for Ceylon pepper should be national or region-specific.

“We still can’t state a definitive date for Ceylon pepper, but we have been working towards achieving a GI for it. 

“There has been a discussion regarding whether the GI for pepper should be nationwide or region-specific as a GI can also be granted based on the geographical specialties of each region, in addition to a national scope,” Watawala noted.

He added that this distinction was due to differences in pepper characteristics based on geography. “For instance, Kolonna pepper is known to have more flavour and pack more spice. However, it is necessary to verify these claims through scientific and historical evidence, which is somewhat challenging in terms of documentation,” he said.

The ministry has conducted extensive discussions with key stakeholders in the industry and experts regarding the matter and is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Agriculture to advance the initiative.

“Therefore, securing a GI for pepper will take some time. Moreover, it also involves attending to national-level procedural requirements including forming associations, drafting constitutions, and completing registrations. This process may take approximately seven to eight months,” Watawala noted.

Regarding Ceylon golden pineapple, he stated that the process was nearing completion. “The process concerning the golden pineapple has reached its final stages. Currently, it is awaiting the conclusion of the intellectual property documentation process, which is being finalised. Once this is complete, local registration will be concluded, paving the way for international registration.”

Watawala explained that under GI norms, applications for a GI must be submitted by region-specific farmers or individuals connected to the product. 

These applications must highlight the product’s unique qualities based on geographical specialities, supported by specifications that contribute to its distinctiveness. A third party then verifies adherence to these standards and practices.

“For pineapple, training as well as both internal and external auditing systems have been completed. We are now awaiting the conclusion of the documentation process,” he added.

Watawala stated that the ministry was exploring the possibility of obtaining GI for additional crops, such as cashew, palmyrah, and kitul, in the coming year.