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In a significant move to boost Sri Lanka’s cinnamon industry, the government outlined an ambitious plan in Budget Proposal No. 16 of 2023. This proposal aimed to establish a dedicated department for the development of cinnamon, elevating it from a minor export crop to a major commercial plantation crop. The initiative quickly gained momentum, receiving parliamentary approval. Building on this approval, Cabinet Paper No. 23/1501/601/050, titled “Establishment of a New Department for Cinnamon Development,” was submitted as a Joint Memorandum by His Excellency the President and the Minister of Plantation Industries during the Cabinet meeting on 14-08-2023. Consequently, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the Department of Cinnamon Development, effective from 01-09-2023. Mr. L.M.J.K. Lindara of the Sri Lanka Scientific Service was appointed as Acting Director General, officially marking the inception of the department on that date.

Further strengthening the department, the National Cinnamon Research and Training Center, previously under the Department of Export Agriculture, was transferred to the new department as per a Cabinet paper dated 24-01-2024. The head office of the Department of Cinnamon Development was established in Karandeniya, Galle district. Among the department’s first major projects is the Cinnamon Gate project in Pinnaduwa, Galle. Initially initiated by the Ministry of Plantation Industries, this project was transferred to the new department, and construction work has already begun. With no sub-offices yet, all development and extension activities are currently coordinated from the head office, ensuring centralized and efficient management of Sri Lanka’s burgeoning cinnamon industry.