A training programme on Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices in tea cultivation was conducted on 2 October 2026 at New Vithanakanda Tea Factory, Delwala, Ratnapura, as part of the Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Management Project (GEF-7).
The programme was conducted with technical support from the Natural Resources Management Centre (NRMC) of the Department of Agriculture, bringing together Field Coordinating Officers and farmer groups associated with the New Vithanakanda Tea Factory.
The training focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of sustainable land management practices relevant to tea cultivation and promoting practical approaches that can contribute to improved land productivity while supporting the sustainable management of natural resources.
Technical guidance was provided by Dr. Keerthi Mohotti, Dr. Harsha Kadupitiya, and Prof. Pushpakumara, supporting participants with relevant technical knowledge and practical guidance.
Following the training, the project will continue to promote and disseminate these technical practices among farmer groups associated with the New Vithanakanda Tea Factory, encouraging wider adoption of sustainable land management practices in tea cultivation.
The Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Management Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the Ministry of Environment, with the Ministry of Plantation & Community Infrastructure and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka. Janathakshan GTE Ltd. and Biodiversity Sri Lanka are responsible parties.
Through technical capacity building and farmer-level engagement, the project continues to support more sustainable production practices while contributing to biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and resilient agricultural landscapes in Sri Lanka.
