The plantation industry has lost 50% of its workforce, since 1992 and due to this the volume of production has been adversely affected, said Incoming Chairman of the Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) Sunil Poholiyadde.
He was speaking at the PA’s 170th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo where he succeeded Senaka Alawattegama. This is Poholiyadde’s second term.
He said that one way out of this was to infuse more innovation and technology to overcome challenges.
“We must embrace innovation to sustain our industry. Mechanisation can provide relief, especially with our diminishing labour force,” he said.
Poholiyadde also underscored the necessity of adopting new technologies, mechanisation, and automation in field and factory operations to enhance productivity and remain competitive globally.
“The technology exists globally; it’s a matter of us embracing and implementing it,” he said.
Commenting on production, he said that although the industry had initially targeted over 300 million kilograms the industry may not reach that target.
Addressing the pressing issue of diversification, he said that agribusiness cannot be successful without adapting to climate change. “We initiated diversification into crops such as oil palm and rubber but faced policy setbacks that halted progress,” he said.
“It’s imperative that we uphold the spirit of privatisation by exercising our rights and ensuring authorities respect the agreements made during that time,” Poholiyadde said.
Looking ahead, he called for policy stability and supportive land-use policies to facilitate transitions in crop cultivation.
“With increasing wages, unless we adopt new technologies, we can’t assure our industry and shareholders of adequate returns.
“Investments will only flow if there’s a promise of returns. It’s our duty as planters to ensure these returns to gain the confidence of investors and shareholders,” Poholiyadde said.
He outlined the need for continuous effort and collaboration among RPCs, government bodies, and other stakeholders to drive the industry forward. “While there has been excellent work done so far, we cannot rest on our laurels. This is a continuous process.”
Outing president Alawattegama said, “As we move forward, decisions related to wages and policies must be made with the best interests of the entire industry — including workers — at heart.
We must ensure that our industry remains affordable and sustainable so that it can thrive for generations to come.”
Chief guest, Chairman Hayleys, Mohan Pandithage said, “The challenges are significant, but with strategic foresight, innovation, and collective action on product and market diversification, integration of technology and ESG principles, I have every confidence that this proud industry can chart a course to a brighter future.”
During the event, the PA conferred lifetime membership on two of the industry’s leading luminaries, Jayantissa Ratwatte and Malin Goonetilike.
