The plantation industry in Sri Lanka faces significant challenges this El Niño year, particularly in terms of climate resilience. According to the National Disaster Relief Services Centre, over 81,000 individuals from 25,563 families across seven districts—Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Badulla, Monaragala, Hambantota, and Ratnapura—have been impacted by drought conditions linked to this climatic phenomenon. In response, the government has increased daily water supplies from six to fifteen liters per person, deployed 324 water tankers, and allocated Rs. 4.8 billion for relief efforts.
Many of the affected districts are located near plantation areas, highlighting that the influence of El Niño extends beyond estate boundaries. Its effects are felt across various elevations, from the low-grown tea and rubber regions around Ratnapura and Galle to the mid-grown estates in Kandy, and up to the high-grown gardens in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla. Low-grown areas are particularly vulnerable, as prolonged heat and reduced soil moisture can quickly diminish yields. Although high-grown tea is somewhat insulated from immediate drought impacts, it faces its own risks from rising night temperatures.
Professor Buddhi Marambe, a Senior Professor of Crop Science at the University of Peradeniya, emphasizes a crucial distinction: “El Niño is not a result of climate change. It is a natural climate variability that has existed for centuries,” he explains. “However, building resilience in our agricultural systems is vital for mitigating the effects of extreme events like El Niño.” He points out that developing this resilience takes considerable time; for instance, the first drought-tolerant tea cultivar in Sri Lanka was only released in 2016 after extensive research. Marambe underscores the need for the Planters’ Association to advocate for sustained long-term investment in plantation research rather than relying on short funding cycles.
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On the ground, this long-term perspective is beginning to yield results. Udapussellawa Plantations PLC has adopted a comprehensive field-level strategy to address the ongoing drought rather than relying on a single solution. Measures include mandatory mother leaf plucking to reduce moisture stress on bushes, increased applications of foliar bio-fertilizers, and the diversion of water to the most severely impacted fields. Additionally, shade coverage was enhanced, potassium was applied to help regulate water loss, and drainage systems were established in anticipation of the dry conditions to retain moisture in the root zone. The installation of rooftop solar panels has also alleviated pressure on hydroelectric resources, allowing for more water conservation for drinking and irrigation purposes.
At Browns Plantations in the Maturata region, a multifaceted approach has been taken to enhance resilience across water, soil, and disaster management. Water tankers and sprinkler systems now support new clearings and nurseries, while thatching in young tea fields helps maintain soil moisture. During the dry season, shade lopping and pruning activities have been halted to protect plant health, and foliar potassium is utilized as an immediate agronomic response. Additionally, vulnerable housing and landslide-prone areas are continuously monitored and evaluated in accordance with the National Building Research Institute (NBRI) guidelines, with plans for relocation made in cooperation with relevant authorities.
Kelani Valley Plantations PLC has adopted a proactive approach to climate resilience, viewing it as a long-term endeavor that extends beyond immediate crises. Their Agroforestry Pilot at Halgolla Estate, developed alongside local and international scientists, implements a layered vegetation strategy that aids in soil conservation, water retention, and generates additional income, and this initiative is now being replicated on other estates. Soil and water conservation methods such as soak pits, onsite ponds, and native tree planting enhance rainfall absorption, while the Surakimu Ganga program has successfully planted over 10,000 native trees in the Kelani River basin, achieving a survival rate exceeding 99 percent. Furthermore, KVPL has become the first plantation company globally to achieve regenagri certification, supported by long-standing research collaborations with the University of Peradeniya, Wageningen University, and IUCN Sri Lanka.
Horana Plantations PLC, a part of the Hayleys Plantation Sector, exemplifies how technology is bridging gaps in climate adaptation. Weather stations established in collaboration with the Arthur C. Clarke Institute provide early warnings regarding temperature, rainfall, and soil moisture levels, while drone mapping helps identify nutrient deficiencies and pest issues. Smart fertigation systems are being employed to minimize water waste in coffee cultivation. Last year, solar installations and mini hydro plants generated 1,243 MWh of energy, and the TeaShade Carbon Project became Sri Lanka’s first plantation initiative registered under the Verified Carbon Standard.
Together, these initiatives illustrate a sector that is taking proactive measures without waiting for government policies to catch up. Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) have independently formed research partnerships, invested in monitoring technologies, and incorporated climate planning into their daily operations, often well ahead of national frameworks. Professor Marambe’s recommendation for ongoing capacity building linked to economic realities resonates with RPCs: “People respond when they recognize the actual economic risks. Every plantation crop contributes to export earnings.” The measures taken in response to El Niño reinforce that climate resilience has become a fundamental component of business strategy, making a compelling case for increased government and institutional support to further expand these efforts, as stated by Mr. Lalith Obeyesekere, Secretary General of the Planters’ Association of Ceylon.
