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Developer
Iyakkachi East Estate
Our Agriculture Initiatives
Sustainable farming for people, productivity, and the planet.
At Iyakkachchi East Estate, our vision is to build a sustainable, diversified agricultural estate that supports local employment, strengthens food production, and protects the land for future generations.
Company registration number: PV 00274776.
Our work is focused on long-term plantation crops, short-term cash crops, aquaculture, and future expansion into livestock and poultry farming. Together, these initiatives form part of our wider commitment to creating a resilient and self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem.
Long-Term Crops
Coconut Palms: An Economic Pillar
Coconut palms are more than just trees. Across Sri Lanka and many parts of Asia, they are an important agricultural and economic resource. Known scientifically as Cocos nucifera, coconut palms thrive in tropical environments and are well suited to the sandy soil conditions found within our estate.
Recognising the long-term value of coconut cultivation, Iyakkachchi East Estate has undertaken a structured replanting programme with guidance and technical support from the Coconut Cultivation Board. This initiative reflects our commitment to restoring the estate’s original agricultural identity while creating long-term employment opportunities for the local community.
Our coconut plantation is a core part of our long-term vision. As the trees mature, they will provide a sustainable source of income, strengthen the estate’s productivity, and contribute to the wider coconut industry in Sri Lanka.
Short-Term Crops
Cash Crops: Supporting Sustainable Growth
While coconut palms take several years to mature and begin generating income, short-term crop cultivation plays an important role in supporting the estate during its development phase.
Due to the sandy nature of our soil and its limited organic matter, intercropping requires careful planning and soil management. To make effective use of the land and create earlier income opportunities, we have introduced cash crops such as chilli and capsicum.
Our current focus includes the cultivation of the MICH HY1 chilli variety, which is known for disease resistance and suitability for green chilli production. We also use drip irrigation to manage water efficiently and ensure precise delivery to the crops.
Aquaculture
Tilapia Fish Cultivation
With approval and guidance from NAQDA, Iyakkachchi East Estate continues to cultivate Tilapia fish as part of our aquaculture initiative.
The fish are supplied to the local market, helping to support regional food supply and create an additional income stream for the estate. Aquaculture also forms an important part of our wider plan to diversify the estate beyond traditional crop cultivation.
These initiatives help improve land productivity, provide income while the coconut plantation matures, and create additional employment opportunities within the local area.
Our Journey
Renewed Hope and Sustainable Growth
The history of Iyakkachchi East Estate dates back to 1858, during the British colonial era, when it was first established as a coconut plantation.
In the late 1970s, the estate came under the custodianship of the Rajaratnam brothers, Rajalingam and Wignarajah, who came from a family with a long-standing legacy in coconut cultivation in Sri Lanka. Their vision was to continue developing the estate as a productive agricultural plantation.
However, the outbreak of the 30-year civil war brought significant hardship and uncertainty. Like many lands in the region, the estate was abandoned for nearly four decades.
In 2020, the second generation began the journey of reviving Iyakkachchi East Estate. With renewed hope and determination, the estate was brought back to life with a clear vision: to create a sustainable, multi-crop agricultural estate that supports local communities and provides meaningful employment opportunities.
Today, Iyakkachchi East Estate stands as a symbol of resilience, renewal, and innovation. What began as a coconut plantation is now evolving into a diversified agricultural hub, combining coconut cultivation, short-term crops, aquaculture, and future opportunities in livestock and poultry farming.
Our Mission
Our mission goes beyond farming. It is about restoring the land, empowering people, creating sustainable livelihoods, and building a future where agriculture can be both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Our Commitment
- Restore the land and protect the environment.
- Empower local communities through stable employment.
- Grow a sustainable agricultural estate for future generations.
Our Team
People behind the estate