In a pioneering initiative in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry, Kandy-based Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge Chairman Philippe Gomez is diversifying into exports of agro-based value additions manufactured from the produce at his hotel. Gomez, a French national, said that they have so far planted 4,500 vanilla trees, 4,000 coffee plants, and 1,000 pepper plants. More than half of the land of the hotel has been given for this, while it is planned to be extended by another six acres as an export-oriented venture.
This is a project that began some time ago but is now ready for more structured exports, particularly targeting the European market from early next year. They also aim at supporting the local community with an out-grower system whereby local products are planning to enter into the export market. The company has also hired undergraduate Mahisha Rathnakumara from Wayamba University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management in its pursuit of developing organic farming.
In Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge, he will be involved with landscape designs, cultivation of tea and vanilla and promoting the eco-friendly concept. Gomez first visited Sri Lanka during a European tour over four decades ago. He fell in love with the country then and had since been coming back repeatedly.
He was a frequent visitor, more so during the height of the LTTE War, and found that the country was seriously lacking in good boutique hotels. Hence, he purchased a 24-acre tea estate and introduce.
