Sri Lanka to Upgrade Cinnamon Industry

06th December 2009, lankapuvath.lk

Inaugurating a series of programs connected with upgrading the cinnamon industry in the Southern Province Professor G.L. Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade, said cinnamon is a traditional industry with its roots deep in our culture and history, but it needs to be upgraded with the infusion of modern technology to secure the maximum benefits in world markets in an increasingly competitive international environment.

The cinnamon industry, he continued, provides a means of livelihood for 100,000 persons in the Southern Province.

With a view to improving methods of peeling and other aspects of the manufacturing process, which has up to now been done entirely by manual means, the Government is establishing 20 manufacturing centres with appropriate equipment.

The Government spends Rs.600,000 on each centre, the total expenditure being Rs.12 million.