Govt. to move out of plantations
President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka has made a clear indication time and again that the government needs to move out of the plantations due to the heavy losses incurred in running these and as a result authorities will be leasing out the properties of the state run plantations.
An advertisement published by the Plantation Ministry dated September 7 has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible investors for the optimal utilisation of underutilised lands and properties belonging to the Janatha Estate Development Board (JEDB), Sri Lanka State Plantaiton Corporation (SLSPC), and Elkaduwa Plantation Ltd (EPL). Sources indicate that even during a meeting conducted recently by the President he had clearly stated that they are not be in a position to continue running government estates since they are incurring a huge loss.
In addition it was stated that they will be seeking investors for these and leasing out the properties including some factories of JEDB.
The JEDB website has also called for potential investors to invest in their lands, office spaces, warehouses and tea factories located across Sri Lanka.
The announcement on its website stated that these could be used for commercial, agricultural or industrial opportunities and to submit their proposals. If selected through the tender process the investor could then proceed with the proposed project. Properties available for lease have been spotlighted in the website with two in the Central Province; four in the North-Western Province; two in the Southern Province; 11 in the Sabaragamuwa Province; and 10 in the Western Province.
These plantations have been facing losses over the years with over hundreds of cases filed against the organisations due to the non-payment of EPF, ETF and gratuity payments since 2000.
In 2019 it had been reported that JEDB, SLSPC and Elkaduwa Plantations have to be paid EPF, ETF and gratuity amounting to Rs.1888 million in total.
JEDB has recorded losses in tea amounting to Rs.372 million in 2020 and a loss of Rs.6 million in the rubber sector in the same year.
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