Cinnamon Peeler / Chipper (Kurundu Godak)
The skilled cinnamon peeler is the human link between Sri Lanka's world-famous spice and the global market — a rare traditional craft that 90% of the world's cinnamon supply depends on, and one that commands premium prices for the finest grades.”
About This Role
Performs the highly skilled traditional craft of peeling and rolling Ceylon cinnamon quills (kurundu). Sri Lanka produces 90% of world true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Peeling is done in the Matara, Galle, Kalutara, and Negombo areas. A skilled cinnamon peeler can process 5–8 kg of quills per day. NVQ in cinnamon peeling is available through NAITA. This craft is unique to Sri Lanka — no other country has this profession at scale.
A Day in the Life
Harvest cinnamon bark from cinnamon trees in Sri Lanka's cinnamon-growing districts (Negombo, Ambalangoda, Matara), applying the traditional peeling technique that produces Ceylon cinnamon's uniquely fine quills.
- Select mature cinnamon shoots of correct age and thickness for harvesting
- Scrape outer bark using a rounded brass scraper (knife) to reveal inner bark
- Make vertical incisions and peel long strips of inner bark
- Roll peeled strips into cinnamon quills on a wooden rod
- Fill shorter pieces into the hollow quills to form complete cigar-shaped sticks
- Grade quills by diameter and length according to Sri Lanka Customs specifications
- Bundle and hand over to collector or processing unit for drying
Work Environment
Outdoor field work in cinnamon gardens (mostly in Beruwala, Ambalangoda, Matara, Bentota districts of Western and Southern Provinces). Traditional craft skill passed through generations.
Typical hours: 48h/week · WLB score 6/10 · OCCASIONAL overtime
Physical outdoor work but self-paced and often piece-rate. Good community lifestyle in traditional cinnamon growing areas.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Tools & Software
Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)
Typical progression: 2yr to mid · 8yr to senior
Global Salary (USD / year)
Top Markets
Market Outlook
STABLE
Sri Lanka produces 90%+ of the world's true cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon / Cinnamomum verum). Critical labour shortage in skilled peelers is a documented industry challenge — making skilled peelers very valuable.
Hiring: HIGH
STABLE
Ceylon cinnamon is in global demand as a premium culinary and health product. The peeling skill is unique to Sri Lanka — no significant overseas market for the labour skill itself.
Entry Requirements
Sri Lanka
Preferred
Global
Preferred
Helpful Certifications
Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
Freelance earnings: $200–$600/mo (USD)
Platforms (SL)
Business Ideas
- Own cinnamon garden cultivation and processing
- Cinnamon value-added product business (cinnamon oil, powder, tea bags)
- Direct export to overseas buyers as a small exporter
Side Income Ideas
EDB supports spice exporters; Spice Council of Sri Lanka provides market access; SLSPC supports smallholder farmers
Risks & Challenges
AI / Automation Risk
LOW
LONG TERM
Burnout Risk
LOW
Job Security (SL)
HIGH
Cinnamon peeling is a delicate manual craft that cannot currently be mechanised — the thin, multi-layered inner bark requires human dexterity. Alba grade production is entirely manual.
Burnout Causes
Physical Health Risks
Mental Health Risks
How to Mitigate
- Learn grading standards thoroughly — higher grades (Alba) command premium prices
- Consider joining a cinnamon cooperative for better pricing access
- Value-add with cinnamon oil distillation for significantly higher income
Is This Career For You?
Person from cinnamon growing community with strong manual dexterity and patience who wants to master a traditional craft with real entrepreneurship potential in Sri Lanka's export economy.
Personality Types
Core Motivations
What You'll Love
- Mastering Sri Lanka's most unique agricultural craft
- Part of a USD 200M export industry
- Piece-rate earnings reward skill and speed
What's Challenging
- Repetitive physical work
- Piece-rate income variability
- Limited career progression without entrepreneurship
Career Paths (2)
Cinnamon Peeler to Own Export Business — A Unique Sri Lankan Path
The cinnamon peeling craft is unique to Sri Lanka. This path shows how someone from a cinnamon-produ…
Cinnamon Peeler to Own Export Business — A Unique Sri Lankan Path
The cinnamon peeling craft is unique to Sri Lanka. This path shows how someone from a cinnamon-produ…