The State Minister of Plantation Industries, Hon. Lohan Ratwatte and the State Minister of Technology, Hon. Kanaka Herath declared opening of the first model office of the island wide Office network of the Tea Small Holdings Development Authority on 01.11.2022 and it is intended through this project to formalize the institutional affairs for the convenience of planters and to have all planter requirements met under one shelter.

The State Minister of Plantation Industries, Hon. Lohan Ratwatte mentioned that every possible measure would be taken in association with the Minister of Plantation Industries, Hon. Ramesh Pathirana to provide the public with the maximum relief and services through the institutes belonging to his Ministry for the welfare and convenience of the public and take the essential policy based decisions expeditiously notwithstanding the severe economic crisis encountered by the country. Further, it was mentioned that action would be taken to start this type of ‘One Stop Shop’ network island wide which is able to be established at other institutional levels through the Ministry of Plantation Industries. The State Minister also emphasized that this would ease public matters and reduce waste of time.

The construction activities have been commenced one year ago according to a proposal made by the then State Minister of Plantation, Hon. Kanaka Herath under the full supervision of the Minister of Plantation Industries, Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana. The Ministry of Plantation Industries had incurred the cost of Rs.50 million for its construction activities.
At the same time, as a token of appreciation, the State Minister handed over the equipment kits which are delivered to the tea small holders by the Tea Small Holdings Development Authority.

This opening ceremony was graced by Parliamentarians representing the district of Kegalle and the politicians of the area as well as officers including the Chairman of the Tea Small Holdings Development Authority and a number of beneficiaries.