The Planters' Association of Ceylon News
From Golden Valleys to Green Futures - The Journey of Bogawana Estate
Bogawana Estate lies in the heart of the Bogawantalawa Valley, widely known as the “Golden Valley of Ceylon Tea.” Its story begins in the late 19th century, when the island’s coffee plantations collapsed under the weight of a devastating fungal disease.
Cannavarella Estate: Nurturing Land, People and Heritage Since 1880
Established in 1880, Cannavarella Estate stands among the most historically significant plantations in Sri Lanka, carrying a legacy that intertwines agricultural heritage, colonial transitions and modern development. Its story begins with the cultivation of chinchona, a medicinal bark used to produce quinine, which is a vital treatment for malaria at the time, introduced when coffee estates across the island were failing.
Atale Estate: A Century of Stewardship, Sustainability at Sri Lanka’s Largest Rubber Estate
Established in 1904, Atale Estate stands today as one of Sri Lanka’s most historically significant and geographically advantaged rubber estates. It was originally part of the extensive holdings of Messrs. Grand Central (Ceylon) Rubber Estates Ltd., which managed more than 43,000 acres through Carson Cumberbatch & Company.
Over time, the estate evolved, gradually incorporating neighboring properties such as Maboda, Boyagoda, Dickhena, New and Old Arandara and later the Dorpet and Myland estates.
The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) expresses its deep concern for estate workers, their families and surrounding communities affected by the severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The plantation sector operates across some of the country’s most environmentally sensitive and disaster-prone regions, and the safety, wellbeing and dignity of those who live and work on estates remain our foremost priority during this challenging period.
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Amid this uncertainty, Scottish planters turned to tea, guided by the cool climate, rich soil and misty slopes of the valley.
Bogawana emerged during this period of transformation, when new estates just being established across the valley. This was no easy feat given the dense forest cover that had to be cleared, roads and factories constructed and housing provided for workers.
The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) is urging the government to act swiftly to lift the ban on oil palm cultivation, warning that with each passing day, the losses to the nation keep growing. The PA noted that an estimated amount of over US $175 million has been spent on edible oil imports between 2021 and 2025 when the ban on oil palm cultivation first commenced in April 2021.
The Association noted that Sri Lanka continues to spend exorbitant sums on foreign exchange for edible oil imports that could have been substantially offset by local production.
Aluth Dinak, 31st October 2025, Rupavahini, Professor Asoka Nugawala
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