Siringapatha Farm Siringapatha farm was earlier managed by Ceylon Tea Plantation Company, which is Sterling Company and was taken over by the Land Reforms Commission. Thereafter Janatha Estates Development Board managed this Farm for few weeks and in 1976 the Farm was handed over to the National Livestock Development Board. Mawatte division of Siringapatha Farm was released to the Sri Lanka/Libya Agricultural and Livestock Development Company Ltd. for a joint project. Soil and Climate The soils of these regions are categorized as Red Yellow Podzolic soils with well-developed laterite and their drainage associates. These soils are moderately to strongly acidic with a definite trend towards increasing acidity with increasing rainfall. Organic matter and Nitrogen status is low to medium. Phosphorus and Potassium status is usually low in these soils and where the parent rock is rich in Potash Feldspar, the potassium status is fairly good. Calcium and Magnesium supplies in these soils are quite low, but this however, does not seriously affected plantation crops. Orchard crop and vegetables would require the application of these elements in the form of ground dolomatic limestone. The good cation exchange capacity of these soils enables a satisfactory retention of chemical fertilizers even under the high rainfall conditions which are experienced in this region. The depth, texture and drainage are moderately good. However, where the laterite has been exposed and consequently hardened, root penetration and infiltration of water is severely restricted. These soils have desirable consistency and can therefore, be worked under a very wide range of moisture conditions. Erosion is not serious except on steep slopes. The area receives approximately 1200mm rainfall in 60 to 114 days. The humidity varies from 65% to 75%. Manager Mr. N.G.Nimalsiri