SL moves to secure GI status for Ceylon golden pineapple

• Application submitted to NIPO
• Local registration expected within 6–8 months
• Global registration to follow

Sri Lanka has applied for local registration of Geographical Indication (GI) status for Ceylon golden pineapple with the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), marking the first step towards securing international registration for the product.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Western Province Department of Agriculture Ceylon Golden Pineapple Project Coordinating Officer Janaki Alwis stated that the Ceylon golden pineapple had been recognised as an intellectual property of Sri Lanka. 

She added that, accordingly, a gazette notification had been issued granting permission to apply for GI status for the product.

Alwis explained that obtaining local GI registration was a prerequisite for pursuing global recognition.

“We have now submitted the application to the NIPO, and once local registration is secured, we will have to apply for global registration,” she said.

According to Alwis, authorities have indicated that the local registration process is expected to take approximately six to eight months.

Highlighting the importance of GI status, she noted that Sri Lanka lagged behind other countries in leveraging such protections.

“China has over 1,200 GI-registered products and India has more than 600, whereas Sri Lanka currently has GI recognition for only one product, Ceylon Cinnamon. We are now working to secure GI status for products such as pepper and pineapple,” she said.

Alwis further stated that prior to seeking international GI recognition, efforts were being made to build local awareness of Ceylon golden pineapple, including the justification and need for GI registration. 

Accordingly, she pointed out that the significant expenditure needed for the process would require financial support from a funding partner.

GI certification helps protect and promote products by linking their quality, reputation, and characteristics to a specific geographical origin. It also enhances market value and competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Source: The morning