Sri Lanka, April 27 -- Sri Lanka initiated the local registration process for Geographical Indication (GI) status for the Ceylon golden pineapple through the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO). This move serves as the foundational step required before the product can seek international recognition.

Western Province Department of Agriculture Project Coordinating Officer Janaki Alwis confirmed that the pineapple is now recognised as Sri Lankan intellectual property, following a gazette notification that authorised the GI application. Local registration remains a mandatory hurdle, a process officials expect to conclude within six to eight months.

Alwis noted that Sri Lanka currently trails significantly behind other nations in GI...