In a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s Fairtrade landscape, a stakeholders’ meeting was held in Colombo in December 2024. Organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Fairtrade Network of Asia Pacific Producers (NAPP), this high-profile event brought together leading voices from the public and private sectors. The event was a strategic move to address pressing challenges, expand Fairtrade networks, and reinforce Sri Lanka’s position as a global leader in ethically produced goods.
A Platform for Dialogue and Collaboration
The meeting served as a platform for discussing the Framework of Cooperation (FoC), an agreement that aims to strengthen collaboration between Sri Lanka and international Fairtrade organizations. With a focus on promoting Fairtrade-certified products such as tea, coconut-based goods, spices, and handicrafts, the FoC reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to aligning with global sustainability goals.
The event was graced by esteemed stakeholders, including:
- Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB,
- C.D. Dharmasena, Director General of the EDB,
- Bindu Sukumarapillai, Chief Executive Officer of Fairtrade NAPP,
- Subhra Tudu, Regional General Manager for South Asia at Fairtrade NAPP,
- Martin Boon, Development Manager, Fairtrade Original Netherlands,
- Mr R Ghanasekaran Chairman, Fairtrade NAPP Sri Lanka
- Iresha Sanjeewanie , programe consultant from FT NAPP
- Arm Arutselvam , Programme consultant for HLO
Government institutions, including the Department of Commerce, Sri Lanka Tea Board, Coconut Development Authority, National Craft Council, and Department of Agriculture, also played a crucial role. Their presence signalled strong governmental backing for this initiative.
The Framework of Cooperation: A Catalyst for Growth
The FoC, formally signed in January 2024 following Cabinet approval in December 2023, is a testament to Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing Fairtrade principles. It aims to:
- Strengthen Fairtrade networks to ensure better representation for producers.
- Expand global market access for Sri Lankan Fairtrade-certified products.
- Address key challenges such as compliance with the EU Organic Regulation (EU 2018/848) to maintain export competitiveness.
This agreement empowers the EDB to oversee its implementation, ensuring that producers across Sri Lanka benefit from improved trade terms, sustainability practices, and enhanced international collaborations.
Immediate Impacts and Progress
The event highlighted the growing demand for Sri Lanka’s Fairtrade-certified products, especially in the European Union (EU). In 2022, Fairtrade-certified exports generated approximately €1 million, with key products such as tea, spices, and handicrafts gaining traction. With 72 export companies and nearly 28,000 farmers involved, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for ethically sourced goods.
The meeting also shed light on the socio-economic impact of Fairtrade in Sri Lanka. By ensuring fair wages, better working conditions, and sustainable production practices, Fairtrade supports marginalized farmers while contributing to poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.
Testimonials: Voices from the Field
- Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the EDB, emphasized: “Sri Lanka is gaining a reputation for ethical trade, and we expect more producers to adopt Fair Trade standards as global demand continues to grow.”
- Mr. Kapila Wickremasekara, a representative of the Thirasara Farmer Association, shared: “This platform allowed us to voice our challenges, from production constraints to navigating export complexities
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
The Framework of Cooperation is expected to drive exponential growth in Sri Lanka’s Fairtrade-certified exports, particularly to the EU. By diversifying product offerings, expanding market access, and fostering sustainable practices, the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As Sri Lanka strengthens its Fairtrade network, the country is poised to achieve remarkable milestones in ethical trade. The commitment demonstrated by stakeholders during this meeting reflects a shared vision of empowering small-scale producers, boosting exports, and creating a sustainable future for all.
Sri Lanka’s journey toward a thriving Fairtrade ecosystem has only just begun, and the outcomes of this landmark meeting signify a promising path forward for the nation’s producers and its global trading partners.
