The Ministry of Science, Technology and Research has taken the initiative to provide NVQs to all cinnamon technicians who complete the training course at the Kosgoda training academy in an effort to create interest among youth to pursue careers in the cinnamon sector.

Plans to change the term ‘cinnamon peeler’ to ‘cinnamon technician,’ thereby bringing dignity to the profession, and developing a proper marketing campaign to promote the product in the international market are expected to provide employment opportunities for women workers to remain in the country and earn a suitable wage, according to Nanda B. Kohona, immediate past chairman of The Spice Council.

He also discussed the need for the geographic indication (GI) of Ceylon cinnamon to be in line with higher level niche markets in the European region and cited the positive demand for organic certified Sri Lankan cinnamon products in the global market as a further reason for the sector’s development.