Cinnamon exporters are complaining that there is difficulty obtaining international recognition of Geographical Indication (GI) due to the government limiting the power of associations to certify genuine products. The current institutional and legal framework prevents institutions not directly under the government from being empowered to certify that products with GI.
Ceylon Cinnamon Growers Chairman Sarada De Silva noted that there was no GI register in Sri Lanka as there was in other countries making it difficult for producers to get the additional benefit of the made in Sri Lanka branding internationally. Reform has been mooted by the previous and current government but the National Intellectual Property Office is yet to be reformed.
De Silva was speaking on July 22 at the Sri Lanka USA Business Council AGM at the Royal Colombo Golf Club.
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