About the Organisation

Horana Plantations PLC a Fairtrade-certified multi-estate plantation nestled in the lush highlands of Sri Lanka, is a pioneering force in sustainable agribusiness with a legacy rooted in excellence since its incorporation in 1992. Listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in 1996, the plantation has grown into one of the country’s premier plantation companies, managing 14 verdant estates over 6,519 hectares—primarily cultivated with tea and rubber on government-leased land.

With a strong commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious practices, Horana Plantations earned its Fairtrade certification in 1997 and now proudly supports 876 employees across 1,035.97 hectares of Fairtrade-certified land. Boasting a total tea production potential of over 4.6 million kilograms, the organization also holds organic certifications, reflecting its dedication to quality, sustainability, and global standards. The plantation continues to blend tradition with innovation, elevating Sri Lanka’s agricultural heritage on the world stage.

Collective Leadership, Transparent Governance

What makes Horana’s model so impactful? Democratic governance. Projects begin at the grassroots — through committee discussions, surveys, and focus groups. They are planned transparently, monitored collaboratively, and reviewed inclusively.. This model reinforces community ownership and ensures projects respond to real, felt needs.

Transforming Period Poverty into Empowerment: The “She Essentia” Project

Among Horana’s most impactful stories is the She Essentia Project—a powerful example of how Fairtrade Premium can rewrite the future for women and girls in plantation communities.

For years, period poverty silently eroded the confidence, health, and income of women workers and schoolgirls. Without access to affordable disposable sanitary products, many were forced to miss work or school, risking their education, productivity, and dignity.  The She Essentia project broke that silence — and sparked a movement.

The She Essentia project is a shining example of how Fairtrade Premium funding can directly address and solve critical issues affecting the well-being of workers and their families.

What She Essentia Did:

• Created a sanitary napkin production unit and disposal unit on the Alton Estate
• Distributed over 1,800 reusable sanitary pads to women and girls (234 in Alton, 1,380 in Gouravilla)
• Collaborated with the Women’s Development Centre (WDC) in Kandy for awareness sessions and product co-design
• Offered menstrual hygiene and nutrition education, benefiting over 254 women and girls
• Started 29 home gardens, helping women grow their own nutrient-rich vegetables
• Employed six local youth at the production unit, providing an alternative to field labor

Impact Beyond Pads:

• 96% of surveyed women workers now see themselves continuing with Horana Plantations over the next two years
• 78% stated that the action positively impacted the occupational safety and health of women workers. They could stay in the field and continue working without needing to come home and change pads. Their spending on sanitary pads had also been reduced
• Menstrual health is no longer a taboo, with sessions also held for men on sanitation and support
• Health and Hygiene: Access to safe, clean sanitary products has greatly improved the health and well-being of the women and girls in the estate. Reusable sanitary napkins, which are both eco-friendly and cost-effective, have helped to reduce the risk of infections and promote better menstrual hygiene.
• Education Continuity: Girls no longer miss school due to menstruation, leading to lower dropout rate.
• Social Impact: By normalizing conversations about menstrual health and providing tangible support, the She Essentia project has empowered women and girls to speak openly about their needs and challenges, creating a more supportive and informed community.
• Economic Freedom: Female workers can work uninterrupted, improving their income and contributing fully to the community.
• Sustainability: The use of reusable products cuts down waste, aligning with Horana’s commitment to eco-conscious living. This long-term solution contributes to both environmental and economic sustainability.

One mother shared, “It helped our daughters. We could not come to the factory, but they gave it to us in the field. That made all the difference.”

“It’s not just a product. It’s a solution — one we’re building together.” — Youth worker at the production unit.

The accessibility of the sanitary pad has been crucial for many, with a community member sharing, "It was easy to use, and it helped the children as well.”

Distributing pads directly to the field was particularly helpful for workers with busy schedules. A field worker mentioned,

“We could not come and buy it from the factory due to the time. We have to work and can’t come here to buy the pad. It was distributed in the field first."

Working at the production unit has been fulfilling for many individuals. A worker expressed, "It is good work," highlighting the positive experience of being involved in the production process. The growth potential was also recognised, with a worker stating, "If we work towards that, we can improve the production and earn money.“

This project has not only addressed a critical health issue—it’s sparked a cultural shift, placing women’s voices and needs at the center of development.

Health, Learning, and Well-Being: Building Stronger Futures

Across all 15 estates, the Fairtrade Premium has created ripple effects of progress:

• Medical screenings and an operational Fairtrade ambulance ensure health isn’t a privilege but a right.
• Educational support through school stationery distribution lightens the financial burden on families and encourages lifelong learning. Over 500 children received school supplies, easing the burden on working parents and promoting lifelong learning.
• Celebrations of Women’s Day and Children’s Day bring joy, recognition, and unity to communities that often go unheard.

Sowing Seeds for Tomorrow: Environmental Initiatives

With Rs. 148,550 allocated to tree planting and reforestation, the estates are healing the land for the next generation. These green corridors not only restore biodiversity but also serve as a living legacy of the community’s pledge to fight climate change—rooted in the soil of shared responsibility.

Sustaining Livelihoods, One Step at a Time

Economic empowerment is at the core of the Fairtrade model. In 2024:

• Rs. 5.8 million was allocated to support workers with festival loans, essential food packs, and upskilling programs.
• Through Fairtrade projects, women and youth found alternative employment, contributing meaningfully to their households and gaining financial independence.

A Future Rooted in Fairness

Horana Plantations PLC isn't just producing tea. It's cultivating fairness, one initiative at a time. As the company looks ahead, future Fairtrade Premium projects will focus on:

• Building sanitation infrastructure in the fields
• Training women and youth to lead future health and hygiene programs
• Expanding environmental and nutritional initiatives
• Continuing to foster a workplace that is both gender-sensitive and family-friendly

Because when dignity is harvested alongside tea leaves, when girls stay in school, when women lead solutions — entire communities begin to thrive.