Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was a young, newly independent nation, with agriculture as the backbone of its economy. Rural areas, including Keppitipola, had minimal infrastructure, and travel remained challenging. That same year, Hubert Edward Harvie Sladen, a retired tea planter, took over Forest Park Estate, dedicating himself to its management. With no bridge over the Erabadda River, he would park his car before the crossing and ride a horse to the estate, a journey that became part of his daily life. To this day, the stone-laid paths and horse gates stand as a testament to this era. Under his stewardship, the estate became a self-sufficient, thriving farm, embracing nature and sustainability long before they became modern ideals.

Lily Sladen, daughter of Hubert Edward Harvie Sladen, returned to Forest Park with her husband, Upali Karunaratne, after living away since 1963. The estate had fallen into decline, but with determination and resilience, they set out to restore it. Partnering with Fr. Harry Hass and Eileen Candappa from the Netherlands, who promoted organic farming through the Uva Herbarium and Uva Spice, they worked to revive the land. Despite limited resources, Lily and Upali cultivated herbs and spices for export, maintaining a commitment to quality and sustainability. With support from European visitors and well-wishers, they upheld the legacy of Forest Park, ensuring its rich agricultural heritage endured. Iwe have to remember Isma, Ludwik Blashier, Elma and many others.

Forest Park underwent significant changes following the passing of Fr. Harry Hass and shifts in property ownership. Land was restructured, exchanged, and relocated, altering the dynamics of the estate. Despite the discontinuation of some herb and spice cultivation, Lily and Upali remained steadfast in preserving the spirit of Forest Park. They focused on educational programs, working closely with local children and the village community, ensuring that the estate continued to serve as a center for learning, sustainability, and service. Their dedication kept the legacy alive, reinforcing Forest Park’s role as a place of growth, knowledge, and community engagement.

Forest Park faced a significant loss with the sudden passing of Lily Sladen due to illness. Lily was a beacon of light, enriching many lives through her roles as a social worker and teacher. She passionately shared Sri Lankan culinary traditions, showcasing local spices and herbs at various exhibitions and forums worldwide. Her absence left a void in the community and the farm's operations.

Her husband, Upali Karunaratne, found it challenging to manage the diverse responsibilities that Lily had so adeptly handled. While he maintained the farm's basic functions, his true passion lay in exploring and documenting the rich history of King Ravana and associated sites in Sri Lanka. Upali extensively researched and chronicled locations such as the Ravana Cave and Ravana Falls in Ella, believed to be linked to the legendary king . His work contributed valuable insights to the Sri Lanka Tourist Board, the Cultural Ministry, and regional tourism entities in Nuwara Eliya and Uva. Drawing from his travels across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Upali developed a deep understanding of these historical narratives. Consequently, farming became secondary to his passion for unraveling the mysteries surrounding Ravana and his legendary exploits in Sri Lanka

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2025 marks a new era for Forest Park Farms, blending generations of farming heritage with a bold, modern vision for sustainable agriculture and ethical poultry farming. Rooted in the pioneering spirit of Lily Sladen and Upali Karunaratne, and now guided by David Ralph Sladen Muller — whose family lineage in farming stretches back to 15th-century Germany — the farm has evolved into a model of innovation, resilience, and environmental stewardship. David’s early work in organic propagation and regenerative practices laid the foundation for this transformation.

Today, based in UVA Province, Forest Park Farms is led by the next generation—Gehan,  Gayan and Jason Muller —who are reshaping agriculture through technology, sustainable livestock management, training, and international collaboration. Supported by key partners including the Ervo Eco, government agencies, and global donor organizations, the farm will develop  into a fully integrated, self-sufficient agricultural and poultry ecosystem.

Our operations now span poly tunnel and open-field farming, sustainable poultry units, tree nurseries, processing centers, cold storage, renewable energy solutions, and training hubs. We leverage tech-enabled exports, blockchain-based investment models, and partnerships with universities and research institutions to foster innovation, student exchange, and global impact.

Forest Park Farms is not just producing food — we are cultivating the future of sustainable, community-driven farming in Sri Lanka and beyond.