About Us

The Great Rebellion of 1817–1818, or the Uva-Wellassa Rebellion, caused widespread devastation in the Uva Wellassa region of Sri Lanka, once known for its agricultural prosperity. The British destroyed irrigation systems and disrupted local livelihoods. By 2018, a World Bank report identified Moneragala, the district containing Uva-Wellassa, as the poorest in Sri Lanka, with Siyambalanduwa being the most economically disadvantaged area.

In 2016, Chairman Mr. Anurath Abeyratne aimed to transform the region by seeking land for rubber cultivation. However, he found that the soil in Ethimale, Siyambalanduwa, was more suitable for sugarcane. Noticing local farmers’ struggles with selling surplus sugarcane, he saw an opportunity to make a positive impact.

Ethimale Plantation Private Limited was established with a 2,000-acre lease from the Department of Buddhist Affairs. The project expanded to 7,650 acres of sugarcane cultivation in partnership with local farmers, revitalizing the sugar industry. It also led to the construction of Sri Lanka’s fourth major sugar factory in Madugama, creating jobs and improving local living conditions.

Today, Ethimale Plantation employs over 1,000 workers and produces sugar, ethanol, biofertilizers, carbon dioxide, and electricity. Its fully automated sugar factory, with a capacity of 1,450 TCD, is the only one in Sri Lanka that produces brown sugar. The plantation also generates 4 MW of electricity, with 1.8 MW exported to the national grid.

Ethimale Plantation is committed to improving the socio-economic welfare of farmers. Since 2016, it has supported around 8,000 farmers and nearly 7,000 families by providing high-quality sugarcane seeds, promoting organic fertilizers, and offering subsidies for land preparation. The company is ISO-certified and focuses on sustainable, eco-friendly operations, aiming to overcome challenges in the sugar industry and foster community growth.