Existing leases of Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) will be extended revealed State Minister of Plantation Industries Lohan Ratwatte yesterday without giving further details. He made this disclosure at tea industry briefing to the media on the current status of the sector, challenges and opportunities. 

The existing leases have about 22 more years to expire but industry was looking for affirmative action on extension after President Ranil Wickremesinghe said existing arrangement will be reviewed. He said extension would be subject to assessment of their performance as well as effective utilisation of existing land etc.

Tea industry treading cautiously to second half