Objectives of NIPM: The National Institute of Plantation Management Act No. 45 of 1979 was amended in 1981 by Act No. 76, in 1987 by Act No. 05 and in 2003 by Act No. 38 in order to make the NIPM a more effective and viable statutory body of the government. As per these acts, NIPM is the only organization empowered to award certificates for those who successfully complete training programmes/academic courses and confer professional Membership to eligible plantation executives under three (03) major categories. It ensures the maintenance of a high standard of professional competence of those who work in the Plantation Industry including the Small Holding Sector. To achieve these objectives, the NIPM conducts various kinds of seminars, workshops, examinations and provides research and consultancy services to public and private sector organizations. It has also the capacity to conduct training programmes for foreign students as well. The objectives of NIPM can be divided into five(05) major categories as follows Conducting academic courses B.Sc. degree in Plantation Management jointly with University of Wayamba. National Diploma in Plantation Management, Higher National Diploma in Plantation Management, Diploma in Plantation Extension Management. Certificate courses in Plantation Accounting and Financial Management, Tea Manufacture and Factory Management etc. Professional programmes (Tea Manufacture, Rubber Manufacture, Coconut Processing and Language Proficiency) Conducting training programmes in different subjects relating to Plantation Management. Various workshops, seminars, symposium etc. Skill Development Training Programmes for Factory Officers, Field Officers and Clerical Staff and other categories of personnel working in the sector. Providing research and consultancy services in Plantation Management and conduct aptitude tests/examinations for selecting and promoting employees to Public and Private Sector Organisations. Issuing publications (Journal in Plantation Management, Newsletter, Student Manuals of training programmes, text books and other periodicals etc.) Conferring Professional Membership of the Institute to eligible Plantation Executives. (Honorary Member, Fellow Member, Associate Member and Student Member) Facilities Available The Institute has almost all the infrastructure facilities that are required for a training centre. Its Head Office at Athurugiriya has three (03) Lecture Halls with AC, a printing unit, an Audio Visual Section with modern equipments, a library with more than 5000 collection of books, a large Auditorium which can accommodate 200 heads at time, a hostel with accommodation facilities for 55 personnel, other office premises and thirteen (13) acres of land. There are separate bungalows for both Director and Chairman and quarters for another seven (07) staff members. There are adequate vehicles for conducting even 02 to 03 programmes simultaneously in the regions. The Regional Training Cen