Investment Assistance for Post-Harvest, Processing Facilities and Certification

Investment Assistance for Post-Harvest, Processing Facilities, and Certification 

The Development Division of the Department of Cinnamon Development promotes processing, value addition, quality enhancement, and certification of cinnamon products. This program supports primary and secondary processing facilities, product diversification, and adherence to international and national quality standards.

The investment assistance scheme strengthens the competitiveness of Ceylon Cinnamon in global markets by improving product quality, supporting value addition, and facilitating compliance with recognized certification standards. Assistance is provided after project completion or machinery purchase, based on approved project plans or at a minimum of 45% of the total bill, according to the approved schedule (attachment) of the investment assistance plan.

Program Components

Investment assistance is provided under eight main categories:

1. Equipment and machinery for agronomic practices
2. Equipment and machinery for post-harvest processing
3. Establishment or renovation of small- to medium-scale processing centers (primary processing/cleaning units)
4. Establishment of central processing centers
5. Construction or renovation of steam-based distillation units
6. Storage facilities
7. Value-added product processing facilities
8. Certification assistance – Financial support for obtaining and renewing internationally recognized certifications, including ISO 22000, HACCP, FSSC, GMP, BRC, Organic, and other relevant standards

Who Can Apply

• Farmer Organizations (FO) of cinnamon
• Estate owners and small, medium or large-scale cinnamon growers
• Entrepreneurs establishing or upgrading processing facilities

• Processing centers seeking certification

Eligible Investment

• Processing facilities: Support for machinery, construction, and equipment installation
• Certification: Assistance for obtaining product/process certification (up to 3 years) and renewal (additional 2 years)

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Duly completed application form
2. Project proposal outlining:
   • Objective of the investment
   • Proposed system or facility
   • Expected benefits (e.g., value addition, quality improvement, market competitiveness)
3. Detailed cost estimation (prepared by supplier/contractor where applicable)
4. Proof of land or facility ownership (Deed or legally accepted document)
5. Plan or layout of the building/facility for construction or installation
6. Copy of National Identity Card (NIC)
7. Copy of Bank Passbook (for fund disbursement purposes)

Incomplete applications or applications without the required documentation will not be processed.

How to Apply

Applications may be submitted:

• To the nearest Development Officer’s Office during office hours (8.30 a.m – 4.15 p.m on working days)
• To the Head Office or Gampaha Zonal Office

How the Service is Provided

1. Upon receiving the application, a team of officers from the Department of Cinnamon Development conducts an inspection of the site/facility and evaluates the project proposal. Considerations include:
   • Suitability of building/construction site
   • Proof of ownership
   • Financial strength and operational capacity of the applicant
   • Feasibility and viability of the project proposal
2. Eligible projects are registered under the investment assistance scheme.
3. Approval is granted to commence construction, machinery purchase, or certification process.
4. Technical support is provided during installation, construction, commissioning, or certification compliance.
5. Financial assistance is released after successful completion of the project, machinery installation, or certification, according to the approved schedule (minimum 45% of total cost or as per the investment assistance plan).

Time Frame for Service Delivery

• 6 months to 1 year from the date of application, depending on project complexity and completion timelines.
• Certification projects: Up to 3 years for initial certification (1^st year) and 2 additional years for renewal

Responsible Officers

• District Assistant Director (Development)
• Relevant Development Officer of the Area

This integrated program ensures:

• Sustainable development of cinnamon processing infrastructure
• Enhancement of product quality and value addition
• Compliance with internationally recognized certifications
• Strengthened competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Cinnamon products in global markets