In the Northern part of Sri Lanka, palmyrah palm is referred as “Katpahatharu (celestial tree)” or “the tree of life” for its multifarious uses. It is identified that almost each part of the palm, right from the top to bottom (root), has an economic value (nearly 800) being immensely useful to the life of the local population, contributing in numerous ways not only to food and nutrition, shelter and fuel but also to income generating activities.
The Government of Sri Lanka has established The Palmyrah Development Board to diversify, promote, develop & conduct research related to Palmyrah products. It has been identified that the value added palmyrah products has a developing market in European and South East Asian Countries.
On 18th February, 2022, Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai had organized a small tea ceremony at the chancery premises to introduce diversified and value-added Palmyra based Products to the business community in Southern India. Under the invitation of Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Krishantha Pathiraja, Chairman, Palmyrah Development Board also participated the event.
Several diversified and value added palmyrah based products were introduced to the participants, whom expressed their interest to promote as well as to open few retail outlets palmyrah based products in Southern India. The event was concluded with a cup of delicious ‘Ceylon Tea’ served to the participants.