Saman Hettiarachchi, a distinguished leader in the tea and agricultural sectors, is renowned for his expertise and approach to industry challenges. With a career spanning over 36 years, he has held prominent roles, including Director/CEO of the Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka (TRISL), where he spearheaded pivotal research and policy initiatives. His profound knowledge of agricultural chemistry, soil science, and plant nutrition has been instrumental in driving sustainable practices and enhancing productivity.
Saman’s journey into Soil Science and Plant Nutrition focusing on tea cultivation was sparked by his early academic experiences and a series of fortunate events. Despite his strong performance in the Mathematics scheme at Kegalle Boys School, he narrowly missed the aggregate cut-off for engineering faculties in Sri Lanka. This led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Peradeniya, where he navigated the competitive environment to secure a spot in the challenging four-year special degree program in chemistry. His determination and academic rigour paid off when he successfully graduated with and honors degree.
Asignificant turning point in his career was in July 1986 when he joined the Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) as a Chemist, managing a laboratory dedicated to ensuring the quality of made-tea samples for export. This position, combined with the mentorship of key industry figures, ignited his interest in the scientific applications within the tea industry. A pivotal moment came during a two-week training stint at the Tea Research Institute (TRI) in Talawakelle, where he witnessed the integration of scientific knowledge in tea research, fueling his passion for soil science and plant nutrition, particularly concerning tea cultivation.
In October 1987, Saman transitioned to a role at TRI as a Research Assistant in the Agricultural Chemistry Division (now Soils & Plant Nutrition Division). He explored opportunities for postgraduate education abroad, eventually securing a placement at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. There, he pursued a PhD on liming acid soils and their effects on the growth of Camellia sinensis, the tea plant. His research addressed the critical issue of soil acidity and its management through different liming materials, a topic of significant importance for tea cultivation in acidic soils of Southeast Asia.
After completing his PhD in December 1993, Saman returned to Sri Lanka in January 1994, ready to apply his advanced knowledge to improve tea cultivation practices. His research provided practical recommendations for the tea industry, solidifying his role as a key figure in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
Saman’s tenure at the Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka (TRISL) was marked by his dedicated effort to advance research and development in tea cultivation amidst significant challenges. Starting as a Senior Research Officer, his journey within the institute was a testament to his resilience and commitment. He emphasized collaboration with local scientists and leveraged his overseas experiences to improve research capabilities. His efforts resulted in securing reasonable funding, enabling the division to progress in its research endeavours.
In addition to upgrading facilities, he played a crucial role in strategic planning for TRISL. He contributed to developing a corporate plan that identified stakeholder issues and emerging industry challenges, ensuring a clear roadmap for research and development. This plan facilitated the periodic review and prioritization of research projects, aligning them with industry needs and securing necessary finances.
As Saman progressed to the role of Deputy Director of Research, he focused on key priority areas such as breeding for crop improvement, soil fertility improvement, climate change, mechanization, integrated pest management, and technology transfer. He introduced external peer evaluations to monitor and ensure the relevance of R&D projects, fostering continuous improvement and adaptation to industry trends.
Saman’s leadership and strategic vision culminated in his appointment as the Director/CEO of TRISL in 2019. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing all R&D activities and managing the administrative and financial affairs of the institute. His comprehensive understanding of TRISL’s operations enabled him to lead effectively. Under his leadership, TRISL continued to advance tea science, issuing updated advisory circulars and guidelines based on research findings, and maintaining strong stakeholder engagement through interactive events.
Throughout his career, Saman also prioritized human resource development. He encouraged colleagues to pursue further education and regularly advocated for the recruitment and training of quality graduates. Despite challenges such as state regulations and ethnic conflict, he managed to build a capable and knowledgeable team that contributed significantly to the tea industry.
Saman’s tenure as the Director/CEO of TRISL was distinguished by his significant influence on policy development and decision-making processes within the tea industry. His role involved extensive interaction with both governmental and private sector organizations, shaping strategies and addressing industry challenges. His participation in governing boards and councils allowed him to contribute to policy formulation and strategic planning at the highest levels.
In addition to his mandatory roles, Saman was often invited to serve on industry-affiliated boards and councils due to his expertise and reputation. His strategic approach to problem-solving and his ability to deploy effective solutions made him a valuable asset in these capacities. His interactions with key organizations within the tea industry supply chain were pivotal in addressing industry-related matters.
Saman’s leadership at TRISL was characterized by a deep understanding of the interconnected roles of various organizations within the tea industry. Under his guidance, TRISL maintained regular updates and delivered technology advancements to the tea industry, supported by funding primarily from the Treasury.
His involvement in formal international events provided him with a broader perspective on global tea industry issues, informing local policy and decision-making processes. His ability to bridge local and global perspectives ensured that Sri Lanka’s tea industry remained competitive and aligned with international standards.
Saman’s extensive involvement with global, regional, and local tea industry stakeholders provided him with a profound understanding of the key emerging challenges for the global tea industry. With over 6 million tonnes of tea produced annually by more than 35 countries, the tea industry faces significant hurdles, including climate change, labour scarcity, limited availability of tea lands, ecological concerns, and market volatility.
He emphasizes the importance of forums where producer and consumer countries convene to address these issues collectively. One critical concern is ensuring end-product quality, particularly compliance with quality standards and Maximum Residual Limits (MRLs) for pesticides. Research institutions like TRISL play a pivotal role in this context, conducting field trials to establish practical MRLs and negotiating with consumer countries.
Saman highlights the importance of maintaining long-term reputations in addressing these challenges. Trade barriers that negatively impact Sri Lanka’s tea production or export volumes must be addressed collectively by tea-related organizations. His experience underscores the necessity of having strong credentials and a reputable track record in handling both international and national issues.
Throughout his illustrious career, Saman has championed several technological and policy interventions aimed at promoting the rational use of fertilizers in the tea and broader agricultural sectors. As a seasoned Research Scientist, he has consistently relied on experimental research evidence and long-term industry practices to advocate for the judicious use of agricultural inputs, particularly chemical fertilizers. One significant challenge he faced was the abrupt 2021 ban on chemical fertilizers by the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL). Drawing on extensive historical data and experimental evidence, he foresaw the detrimental impact of this policy on tea cultivation and other crops.
In his role as Director/CEO of TRISL, Saman worked tirelessly to navigate this challenging directive. He collaborated closely with senior colleagues to present a unified stance against the abrupt policy shift. This effort involved extensive discussions and consultations, culminating in formal communications with the relevant authorities. Despite considerable opposition, his persistence and leadership were instrumental in highlighting the policy’s flaws and advocating for a balanced approach to fertilizer use.
The impact of the 2021 fertilizer ban on national tea production was significant, with fertilizer use plummeting to a record low. While favourable rainfall distribution helped mitigate some immediate effects, the tea industry is still recovering from the policy’s repercussions. Saman’s advocacy for integrating chemical fertilizer use with organic matter incorporation and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) underscores his commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
Moreover, he has been a strong proponent of innovative technologies to drive advancements in agriculture and plantation industries. Recognizing the pivotal role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in fostering innovation, he established the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at TRISL to facilitate the commercialization and licensing of new technologies. Notable achievements during his tenure include the commercialization of patented tea wine in partnership with the private sector and the groundwork for an Externally Funded Research (EFR) scheme to support collaborative research projects.
In his subsequent role as Director/Head of Agricultural Operations at Richard Pieris & Company, Saman continues to leverage his extensive expertise to drive improvements and reposition the organization to meet industry challenges. His dedication to research, technology dissemination, and stakeholder engagement remains a cornerstone of his approach to ensuring the competitiveness and sustainability of the tea industry.
As a leader, Saman has demonstrated remarkable resilience and foresight, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and driving the integration of cutting-edge technologies. His ongoing contributions continue to shape the future of Sri Lanka’s tea industry, ensuring its sustainability and global competitiveness.
Many stellar careers have supportive factors nurturing their growth. In Saman’s career, his family has lent steadfast support through all trials and tribulations. He deeply acknowledges that while he may be the boss in many contexts, at home, his wife Geetha is the final authority figure!