Sri Lanka has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to protect and promote Geographical Indications (GI), culminating in the establishment of the national GI registry. This event was officially held recently in Colombo, marking a major step forward in securing the authenticity and competitiveness of Sri Lankan products in international markets.
The journey began with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) submitting an application for the GI registration of Ceylon Cinnamon, following the UNIDO-led GI roadmap funded by the STDF. Despite challenges such as limited private-sector coordination and capacity, Sri Lanka navigated multiple rounds of inquiries and legal amendments.
A crucial breakthrough came when international GI experts, engaged through UNIDO, supported the development of a comprehensive resubmission of the GI dossier. This meticulous effort addressed technical concerns from the European Union (EU), particularly regarding the geographical linkage of Ceylon Cinnamon. Ultimately, after overcoming strong opposition from the German Spice Association, Sri Lanka secured EU GI registration for Ceylon Cinnamon on February 3, 2022.