Global recognition for Sri Lanka origin products with first GI Registry

In a significant move to safeguard Sri Lanka’s unique products, the country recently launched its first Geographical Indication (GI) Registry. This registry provides essential legal protection for products whose quality and reputation are deeply connected to their geographical origins, such as Ceylon Cinnamon, Ceylon Tea, and Ceylon Sapphire. 

The new GI Registry aims to enhance global recognition of these products by providing national protection and recognition for products opening doors for Sri Lankan producers to reach broader markets and boosting economic opportunities at home.

A key advocate behind this effort has been Dr. Jairo A. Villamil-Diaz, Head of the Country Programme of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Sri Lanka. Under Dr. Jairo’s guidance, UNIDO played a pivotal role in securing the first-ever GI status for Ceylon Cinnamon within the European Union, a historic achievement that strengthened Sri Lanka’s position in the global spice trade and set a valuable precedent. 

In our interview, Dr. Jairo shares insights into the impact of the GI registry, UNIDO’s long-standing support in bolstering Sri Lanka’s trade capacities, and how these efforts align with sustainable economic growth for the country’s unique industries.

Q:Can you start by telling us about the significance of this new GI Registry for Sri Lanka?

Thank you for having me. The launch of the GI Registry is indeed a milestone for Sri Lanka. It will provide legal protection for products that have unique qualities linked to their geographical origin, like Ceylon Cinnamon, Ceylon Tea, and Ceylon Sapphire. 

This protection is vital because it helps ensure that these products are recognized for their authenticity and uniqueness, both locally and globally, which in turn can boost market access and economic opportunities for producers. The registry will also support the country’s efforts to grow its international trade in a sustainable way.

Q:That sounds like a major development. Can you tell us more about UNIDO’s role in supporting this initiative?

Absolutely. UNIDO has been deeply involved in this initiative from the very beginning. We worked closely with the Sri Lankan Government, particularly the Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Investment Promotion, Export Development Board (EDB) and the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), to support two crucial amendments to the Intellectual Property Act. These changes were necessary to pave the way for the GI registry. We also provided technical assistance in drafting the regulation that will govern the operation of the registry. Our goal has been to ensure that Sri Lanka’s unique products are adequately protected under international intellectual property frameworks.

Q:What else has UNIDO fostered in Sri Lanka with regard to GIs in recent years?

This registry is one of many achievements we’ve been proud to support in Sri Lanka. For instance, we supported the Sri Lankan Government in establishing the Cinnamon Training Academy, which has been instrumental in training cinnamon technicians to meet the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) standards. 

This helps ensure the high quality of Ceylon Cinnamon, one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable exports. We also supported the Export Development Board and the GI Association in developing a standards and control plan for Ceylon Cinnamon, which set the rules on how the GI products should be controlled. Moreover, our technical support was critical in securing Geographical Indication (GI) registration for Ceylon Cinnamon in the European Union, the first-ever GI for Sri Lanka. 

That was a major success for the country, as it opened doors to new markets and strengthened Sri Lanka’s position in the global spice trade. We obtained this historic achievement without having the local registration and even facing strong opposition from the German Spice Association. Having the national registry paves the way for new GIs, including Ceylon Tea, which recently submitted the application for protection in the European Union.

Q:And what’s next for UNIDO’s work in Sri Lanka, especially regarding other GI products?

 We will continue our collaboration with the Ceylon Cinnamon sector by assisting in its local registration, as well as preparing applications for GI recognition in key international markets like Mexico, Peru, and Colombia—major destinations for Ceylon Cinnamon. We will also enhance our support for Ceylon Tea following its application. In addition, at the request of The Spice Council, we are in the process of preparing a cooperation project aimed at securing technical assistance and GI registration for Ceylon Spices—specifically cloves, pepper, and nutmeg—which are globally renowned for their unique qualities. 

This is an exciting initiative because, once completed, it will offer the same level of protection and market advantages that we’ve seen with Ceylon Cinnamon. Lastly, under our current EU-funded project, BESPA-FOOD, we are supporting Sri Lanka’s coconut sector in establishing a strategic plan and roadmap that includes intellectual property protection for some of their key products, such as Ceylon Arrack. By protecting these national treasures, Sri Lanka will be better positioned to tap into premium markets and improve the livelihoods of local producers.

Q:How do you think these efforts will impact the country’s broader economic development, and how can initiatives like GI support economic recovery?

The impact will be substantial. At UNIDO, we strongly believe in strengthening value chains, starting with farmers and primary producers. A value chain approach ensures that no one is left behind. Take the Ceylon Coconut sector, for example—their main concern is improving primary production. GI registration can play a pivotal role in enhancing productivity and ensuring fair and shared value throughout the chain. 

By securing GIs for its products, Sri Lanka is proving that it can compete globally based on quality and authenticity, rather than just price. This adds tremendous value to the country’s exports and helps build a more sustainable economic model. 

Moreover, it enhances the country’s reputation as a producer of high-quality goods. The recognition, appreciation, and reputation built on strong quality assurance will attract the interest of international buyers, and even tourism will benefit as people become interested in visiting the country that produces these renowned products. Ultimately, these developments lead to better incomes for producers, stronger local industries, and contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s overall economic growth.

Q:Any final thoughts you’d like to share with us?

I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Ministry of Trade and NIPO for their tireless work in making the GI registry a reality. It’s been a collaborative effort, and their commitment has been key to this success. UNIDO remains fully committed to supporting Sri Lanka as it continues to build on these achievements. Together, we are laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable economic growth, while protecting the unique cultural and natural heritage of this beautiful country.