Cinnamon Gate Project
Sri Lanka’s true Cinnamon has evolved into a storied brand in both local and international markets, renowned for its distinctive quality, color, taste, and aroma. As the world’s largest producer of Pure Ceylon Cinnamon today, Sri Lanka possesses the capability to lead in its cultivation and exportation. Beyond its economic impact, the cinnamon industry plays a vital role in fostering Sri Lanka’s economic growth and sustaining livelihoods.
The value of the cinnamon industry
The Sri Lankan cinnamon industry is distinguished by its unique botanical, physical, and chemical properties, as well as its distinctive cultivation, harvesting, and processing techniques. Embedded within these practices are cultural values that remain largely untapped on the global stage. By integrating these cultural elements with modern technology, there exists significant potential to enhance the value and promote the cinnamon industry through innovative advancements.
Cinnamon Gate Project
In 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries decided to establish a cinnamon garden near the entrance of the Galle Pinnaduwa Expressway with the primary objective of enhancing the recognition and global promotion of Sri Lanka’s authentic cinnamon brand in national and international markets. Following the establishment of the Department of Cinnamon Development, the work on the Cinnamon Gate project is currently underway under the supervision and direction of this department.
Project Objectives
1.Establishing the cinnamon park aims to:
- Offer both local and international visitors an immersive experience in the cultural and technological aspects of the cinnamon industry.
- Create direct and indirect economic benefits and market opportunities for stakeholders across the local cinnamon industry value chain.
- Generate new employment opportunities.
2.Additionally, the project seeks to:
- Promote the tourism sector through the concept of “Agro-Tourism,” enhancing visitor knowledge and understanding of this unique plant exclusive to Sri Lanka.
Elements of Cinnamon Gate Park
- A model museum highlighting the administrative, botanical, and cultural heritage of cinnamon.
- Gardens showcasing both wild and commercially cultivated species of cinnamon.
- A commercial-scale model cinnamon plantation.
- A dedicated area for reading and purchasing literature on cinnamon.
- Interactive demonstrations offering hands-on experience in cinnamon processing and value addition.
- A comprehensive marketplace offering a variety of local cinnamon products.
- A restaurant specializing in cinnamon-infused cuisine and beverages.
- An educational hub centered on the cinnamon industry.
- This integrated approach at the Cinnamon Gate project aims to elevate and promote Sri Lanka’s cinnamon industry with a global perspective.