Exploring the role of the Planters’ Association in establishing Sri Lankan Railways and Tea Research

While Sri Lanka’s colonial history resulted in the entrenchment of significant challenges, it also yielded transformative developments that have served as the foundation of the island’s economy for generations. Since the 19th century, Sri Lanka’s plantation industry, led by the Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA), has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s infrastructure, agricultural research, and socio-economic landscape. Beyond enhancing agricultural productivity, the PA and its affiliated plantation sectors have spearheaded key developments, from constructing the island’s first railways to establishing pioneering, globally recognized research institutions such as the Tea Research Institute (TRI). 

The Transformational Journey of Women in Sri Lanka’s Plantation Industry

Sri Lanka’s plantation sector has been significantly shaped by its colonial past. Since the establishment of the first commercial tea plantations by British planters in 1867, and through 152 years of colonial management, women’s roles were traditionally limited to labor-intensive tasks with limited scope for advancement. Even after independence in 1948, when private foreign ownership continued for 24 years and during the subsequent 20 years of nationalization, these constraints remained largely intact. However, since privatization in 1992, plantation companies—supported by the Sri Lankan and Indian governments, the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), international donor agencies, tea brands, and numerous other stakeholders—have actively worked to systematically remove these historical barriers. Today, a new generation of women in the plantation industry is breaking through traditional limitations, stepping into non-traditional roles, and pioneering leadership opportunities that once seemed impossible.

Plantation Industry Recommits to Community Welfare in 2025

Sri Lanka’s Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) recommitted to driving comprehensive development initiatives to uplift estate communities.

Working in partnership with the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) – a tripartite body comprising of RPCs, Government and worker representatives – over the coming year, they aim to drive improved living standards for thousands of employees and their families.

Laxapana Estate - A Harmony of Nature and History in Sri Lankan Highlands

Nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Sri Lanka’s central hill country, Laxapana Estate lies at the southwestern foothills of the world-renowned Adam’s Peak mountain range also known as ‘Sri Pada’.  Overlooking the serene Mousakellie Reservoir, the estate offers visitors a spectacular view of the dam, with a portion of its bank bordering the lower sections of Laxapana and St. Andrew’s Lower division. This scenic location, with misty mountains and lush greenery, provides an unparalleled experience for visitors looking for tranquility amidst nature.

A Legacy Rooted in History

Sarnia Estate – A Timeless Legacy of Beauty and Heritage

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Uva, Sarnia Estate has stood the test of time, transforming from a coffee plantation in the 19th century into a beacon of the highest quality tea cultivations, while preserving its rich historical essence. Bordering the Randenigala Reservoir and the wild life sanctuary of Randenigala, Sarnia stands on the eastern slope of a picturesque mountain range rising from an elevation of 900 meters at the lowest to 1180 meters at the highest point on the foothills at Narangala Mountains.

It is a lesser-known fact, outside of the plantation industry is the significant influence of Scottish planters on then Ceylon's agricultural landscape. The Scottish impact dates back over 200 years, with figures such as James Taylor pioneering tea cultivation in the island. Among these notable figures, was E.C. Sweeting, who contributed significantly to the island’s transition from coffee to tea, while establishing advanced agricultural practices within the tea industry.