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.
Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Co-operative Development, emphasized 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 Organization (UNIDO), which have been working together since 2017 with the Ministry and the government to advance this initiative.”
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