Home Business Sri Lanka strengthens protection for local products with launch of Geographical Indications Registry
Business

Sri Lanka strengthens protection for local products with launch of Geographical Indications Registry

Share
Wasantha Samarasinghe handing over the first GI application to the Chairman of the EDB, Mangala Wijesinghe.
Share

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.”

Share

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles
Business

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports dip in May

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports saw a marginal decline of 0.63% in May...

Business

Sri Lanka’s outdated laws choke e-commerce, stranding thousands of parcels at Customs

Thousands of parcels ordered by Sri Lankan consumers from global e-commerce platforms...

Business

Govt withholding development funds despite Rs. 500 Bn allocation – NCASL

The National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) alleges that the government...

Business

Sri Lanka unlocks new market opportunities with 15 conformity assessment accreditations by SLAB

Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB), under the patronage of the Ministry of...