Colombo, Thursday 23 July 2026: Gal Oya Plantations continues to strengthen Sri Lanka’s sugar industry while supporting the economic and social development of farming communities in the Eastern Province.
Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape underwent a significant transformation during the latter part of the 1950s, guided by the vision of then Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake. Recognising the country’s agricultural potential, he prioritised the construction of the Senanayake Samudraya, which brought water and new life to the previously dry lands of Digamadulla.
Sugarcane cultivation, established along the fertile left bank of the Senanayake Samudraya as part of one of the Eastern Province’s largest agricultural development initiatives, subsequently became a major commercial crop in the region.
The Gal Oya Sugar Factory was established in the early 1960s with the aim of producing a fully Sri Lankan product using sugarcane harvested by local farmers. Unlike many other crops exposed to market fluctuations, sugarcane provided farmers with an opportunity to secure a stable price for their harvests, strengthen their household incomes and build a more secure future for their families.
Until the factory ceased operations in 1996, its benefits extended beyond sugarcane farmers to communities across the Eastern Province and consumers of locally produced sugar throughout Sri Lanka.
The Gal Oya Sugar Factory recommenced operations in 2006 under the Eastern Reawakening Development Programme as a public-private partnership. The Government retained a 51% ownership stake, while the remaining 49% was held by Browns and LOLC. Since its revival, the factory has steadily expanded its operations and restored new economic opportunities for sugarcane farmers in the region.
Today, Gal Oya Plantations remains committed to revitalising sugarcane cultivation and contributing to renewed prosperity in the Eastern Province. Its role extends beyond purchasing farmers’ harvests at fair prices, with the company providing comprehensive assistance to strengthen the livelihoods and long-term resilience of farming communities.
When the factory resumed operations in 2006, many farmers had moved away from sugarcane cultivation, agricultural lands had become overgrown, access roads were in poor condition and irrigation canals had deteriorated. Gal Oya Plantations initially focused on rehabilitating damaged roads and restoring canal systems to ensure that farmers had reliable access to water and essential agricultural infrastructure.
These improvements helped rebuild farmers’ confidence in the industry, encouraging them to clear abandoned land and resume sugarcane cultivation.
In addition to developing infrastructure, Gal Oya Plantations supports farmers by supplying seed cane and fertiliser required to begin and maintain cultivation. The company also provides technical knowledge, agricultural guidance, machinery and other equipment to improve productivity and enable farmers to manage their cultivations more effectively.
Wildlife-related crop damage remains one of the most serious challenges faced by farmers in the region, particularly damage caused by elephants. Recognising the scale of the issue, Gal Oya Plantations has established a specially trained team to support the protection of farmlands around the clock.
The company also works closely with farmers to minimise damage caused by wild boar, porcupines and other animals, helping cultivators protect their crops and secure a more complete harvest.
Gal Oya Plantations’ commitment extends to the education and wellbeing of farmers’ children. The company implements a scholarship programme for schoolchildren, encouraging them to continue their studies and supporting their access to higher educational opportunities.
It also contributes to improving educational facilities at the school level by identifying the needs of schools in surrounding communities and providing assistance to create a better learning environment for children.
The company maintains close and harmonious relationships with religious leaders and places of worship representing all faiths in the region. Gal Oya Plantations directly contributes to the development of Buddhist temples and other religious institutions, assists in addressing their essential needs and provides support during significant religious and cultural occasions.
Through these initiatives, Gal Oya Plantations has become an integral partner in the economic, social and cultural advancement of the region. The company remains focused on expanding its social responsibility initiatives and delivering greater value to the communities it serves while contributing to the sustainable development of Sri Lanka’s domestic sugar industry.
