Sri Lanka's sugar paradox

Sri Lanka has experienced the best and the worst when it comes to privatisation attempts.

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Privatisation affected many industries including the sugar industry which eventually led governments to import sugar, impose taxes and pushed farmers towards a crisis.The privatisation of Hingurana and Kantale sugar factories, which had been state-owned, is seen as a significant turning point. These factories experienced initial disruption under private management, which contributed to the decline of the domestic sugar industry. The Kantale Sugar Factory for instance was once a thriving venture and a lifeline for people living in its surrounds. But this highly profitable venture was gulped down by the darker shadows of privatization attempts. At present, this massive factory complex which was initially built on a 44,000 acre complex, now remains abandoned on a 21,000 acre expanse of land.