Finlay sets the trend for Rainforest Alliance Certification

Hapugastenne Plantations PLC and Udapussellawa Plantations Ltd, subsidiaries of Finlays Tea Estates Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, collaborated with their plantations in Passara Group to become the first regional plantation company to launch a tea certification programme in 2010. The company followed a vigorous programme to convert its other estates located in Nuwara Eliya and Hali Ela to Rainforest Alliance standards. Shawlands, Adawatte, Kenmare, Court Lodge, Tommagong, Blailomond, Demodera, Oodoowerre, and Newburgh are some of the well-known plantations under their accreditation.

Through this Certification Finlay has enhanced worker welfare, plantation management and the Environment. To obtain the Rainforest Certification, Finlay has successfully addressed environmental concerns of soil erosion, competition for water, pollution from fertilizer, and the need for firewood for tea driers. Additionally, the workers earn fair wages and have access to good housing, education and health care.

In addition to Finlay, other regional plantation companies including Talawakale Tea Estates Limited and Kelani Valley Plantations PLC have successfully earned the Rainforest Certification.