In Nurturing Sri Lanka’s Palmyrah Heritage for a Brighter Future.
Welcome to
Palmyrah
Development Board
The Palmyrah Development Board (PDB), established in 1978, originally operated under the Ministry of Plantations. It later came under various ministries, most recently the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure in 2025.
PDB’s key activities include restoring Palmyrah plantations, enhancing model farms, providing handicraft training, producing Palmyrah products, promoting related industries, conducting research on food and product development, and managing sales outlets known as “Katpaham“.
Our Vision
Develop the Palmyrah sector as a dynamic sector for livelihood development.
Our Mission
Develop, promote, popularize and regulate sustainable Palmyrah industry to be a significant contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Country.
Important Links
Notices
Vacancies
Post of Research Assistant – MA 5-1 (Casual Basis)
Vacancy Closed on 07th November 2025
Post of Management Assistant (Technical) – MA 2-1 (Casual Basis) – 04 Positions
Vacancy Closed on 30th October 2025
Divisions
Admin & HRM Division
Ensures smooth organizational functioning by managing administrative services and staff-related functions.
Finance Division
Manages financial resources through budgeting, accounting, auditing, and reporting, ensuring control, compliance, and informed decision-making.
Development Division
Overseeing cultivation, production, and sustainability of palmyrah plantations for economic growth.
Research Division
Conducts studies and innovations to improve palmyrah products, ensure quality, and support sustainable industry development.
Extension Division
Enhances community development through education, and support initiatives.
Production Division
Drives product development and research for improvement and market advantage.
Marketing Division
Marketing products to enhance brand recognition and support sustainable regional development.
JITF 2026 Highlights Innovation and Regional Economic Growth in Jaffna
The 16th Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF) 2026 was successfully held on 23rd, 24th, and 25th January at the Muttraweli Grounds, Jaffna, attracting a large number of visitors, exhibitors,...
Northern Investment Summit 2026 – Day 2 PDB Programme
The Northern Investment Summit 2026 (NIS 26) continued successfully on Day 2 with focused discussions on infrastructure development, renewable energy, plantation industries, and national economic priorities. The programme brought...
Thai Pongal Celebration at the Head Office of the Palmyrah Development Board
In celebration of Thai Pongal, marking the first day of the Tamil month Thai in the year 2026, the Thai Pongal festival was joyfully held on 16 January 2026...
Commencement of Duties of the Palmyrah Development Board for the Year 2026
The official duties of the Palmyrah Development Board for the year 2026 commenced on 01st of January 2026, the first day of the New Year. The inaugural ceremony was...
Empowering our Palmyrah producers for the global stage! 🌍🌴
“Export Opportunities for Palmyrah Products” — a special capacity-building program designed to strengthen knowledge on global market trends, export standards, value addition, and international marketing strategies. 📅 Date: 21.11.2025📍...
Empowering our local artisans! 🌿✨
GIZ and the Palmyrah Development Board successfully conducted a Gap Analysis Programme for handicraft producers, led by resource person Mr. Kannan. 📍 Divisional Secretariat, Palai📅 11.11.2025
Certificate Awarding Ceremony for Palmyrah Handicraft Trainees in Batticaloa
A certificate awarding ceremony for trainees who successfully completed Palmyrah-based handicraft training programmes in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts was held at the Batticaloa Municipal Hall under the patronage...
Opening of the New Katpaham Sales Outlet in Pannai Road, Uppuveli – Trincomalee
Today (09.11.2025), the new Katpaham Sales Outlet was inaugurated with traditional ceremonies at the Pannai Road, Uppuveli, Trincomalee at 10.30 a.m. The 15th branch of the Palmyrah Development Board, the second...
Publications
SLAB Certificate of Accreditation to Chemical Testing & Biological Testing for Palmyrah Research Institute
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Reviving the Ancient Art of Toddy Tapping
For centuries—perhaps even millennia—palm sap has been harvested across South and Southeast Asia. When freshly collected, this sweet, milky liquid is non-alcoholic, refreshing, and rich in nutrients. But nature...
