Sri Lanka strengthens protection for local products with launch of GI Registry

From left: Juan Pablo (UNIDO), Geethanjali Ranawaka (NIPO), Mangala Wijesinghe (EDB), Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, K. A. Vimalenthirarajah (Ministry of Trade), and Dr. Jairo A. Villamil-Diaz (UNIDO). Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe handing over the first GI application to EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe

The National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), under the patronage of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Co-operative Development, officially opened the Local Geographical Indications (GI) Registry, a landmark initiative to safeguard Sri Lanka’s unique local products and enhance their global marketability.

The registry, formally declared open on 27 February 2025, marks a significant milestone in strengthening intellectual property rights in the country. By providing legal protection for products linked to a specific geographic origin, the initiative aims to preserve authenticity and increase the commercial value of Sri Lanka’s renowned goods, such as Ceylon Cinnamon and Ceylon Tea. Prior to this, local products lacked domestic legal safeguards, even if they had obtained international recognition, such as Ceylon Cinnamon’s European Union GI status.

Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Co-operative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating: “Opening the Local GI Registry is a crucial first step towards protecting Sri Lanka’s geographic advantage, enhancing market access, and contributing to the economic empowerment of local communities. We acknowledge the contribution made by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), which have been working together since 2017 with the Ministry and the Government to advance this initiative.”

Speaking at the event, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade K. A. Vimalenthirarajah, emphasised the registry’s role in Sri Lanka’s economic growth: “The Local GI Registry will drive sustainable economic development by reinforcing the unique attributes of our local products through GI-based initiatives. We must now leverage this momentum to establish the superiority of local products such as Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, and other produce in the international marketplace and take action against the misuse of the ‘Ceylon’ name.”

The establishment of the registry is a continuation of UNIDO’s technical assistance under the 2017–2021 EU-funded Trade-Related Assistance (EU-TRA) project. UNIDO provided expertise to support NIPO in amending the Intellectual Property Act and developing regulations for GI registration. This support has been further strengthened through the BESPA-FOOD project, which enhances Sri Lanka’s trade-related institutional capacity in the food sector.

Further highlighting the significance of the initiative, NIPO Director General Geethanjali R. Ranawaka, stated: “GI serve as a powerful tool in protecting the authenticity and reputation of our local products, ensuring they maintain their distinct identity in global markets. With this initiative, Sri Lankan producers will gain stronger legal protection against misuse and misrepresentation, allowing them to compete on a level playing field. By securing GIs, we not only uphold quality and tradition but also open new avenues for economic growth and fair trade.”

The opening of the Local GI Registry is expected to play an integral role in enhancing Sri Lanka’s trade capacity and increasing its competitiveness in the global marketplace.

This initiative will raise awareness about the importance of geographical indications in improving market access, increasing product recognition, and fostering rural economic development. It also highlights the essential role of international collaboration in advancing Sri Lanka’s trade capacity and securing its place in the global market.