DPL opens Monaragala Latex Collection and Lab

Dipped Products Managing Director Pushpika Janadheera together with the senior leadership team inaugurates the Monaragala facility joined by community members and project stakeholders

To boost quality and rural livelihoods

In a landmark initiative to uplift Sri Lanka’s rural rubber economy, Dipped Products PLC (DPL), a member of the Hayleys group, officially opened a state-of-the-art latex collection and laboratory facility for the smallholder rubber farmers in Monaragala. 

Powered by an investment of over Rs.50 million, the initiative connects smallholder farmers to expand market reach via improved quality and traceability.

Monaragala is home to a large community of smallholder rubber farmers who have long contributed to Sri Lanka’s rubber supply. Despite their vital role, many have lacked access to scientific testing and quality-based pricing systems, resulting in inconsistent earnings and product variability.

DPL’s new facility addresses these long-standing gaps, offering a modern latex collection centre and fully equipped laboratory to support the local producers.

The laboratory tests for key quality parameters, including Dry Rubber Content (DRC), ammonia levels, volatile fatty acids and microbial contamination—critical measures to ensure product consistency and globally compliant standards. 

Previously, local farmers had to rely on Colombo-based labs for DRC results. With the establishment of the new DPL facility, they can now access readings locally within just two days. The open-door policy also allows farmers to witness the process firsthand, building trust through transparency. 

“The Monaragala facility is an investment in both infrastructure and livelihoods,” said Dipped Products Managing Director Pushpika Janadheera.

“Through greater transparency, traceability and scientific insight, we’re enabling the smallholder farmers to gain access to lucrative global markets while ensuring our supply chain remains sustainable.”

In addition to driving quality improvement, the centre will support compliance with internationally recognised certifications including Forest Stewardship Council, enabling local latex to meet stringent environmental and social benchmarks. The initiative also encourages youth participation in the rubber sector, offering technology-driven job opportunities in a region often affected by migration, unemployment and poverty.

The latex collection centre includes quality-controlled storage facilities to ensure latex stability and minimise spoilage. The facility also acts as a knowledge-sharing hub where the farmers can receive guidance on sustainable harvesting, post-harvest handling and best practices to reduce contamination.

This initiative aligns closely with DPL’s broader sustainability agenda, including its ESG roadmap, DPL Pulse, launched in 2023. The Monaragala model is expected to serve as a blueprint for future facilities in other underdeveloped rubber-growing districts, with the aim of building a more inclusive, resilient and high-performing rubber sector across Sri Lanka.