This study focuses on the use of pesticides in upcountry vegetable farming and their determinants is timely and relevant for the policy makers and the development practitioners to formulate appropriate policies and practices in the use of pesticides. The major objective of this study is to estimate the level of pesticides use and to investigate the factors affecting overuse/misuse. The data for this study was collected from 240 farmers randomly selected among potato, bean, cabbage and leek cultivators from selected areas in the Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts. According to the findings of the study, about 5% of the active ingredients of pesticides used in upcountry farming belong to non permitted Class type, while another 34% belong to the category of restricted use Class. Nearly 30% of the farmers do not adhere to the 2-3 weeks pesticide free period that should be allowed before harvesting the final product. It is also noted in this report that about 63% of the farmers wear protective garments during pesticide spraying, but use of boots and gloves are limited to 11% and 37% respectively. Non use of boots has risk of exposure to pesticides, especially in fields with stagnated water. The report indicates that most issues at the user's level are associated with lack of awareness, poor attitudes, behaviours of farmers and weaknesses in the extension systems. Thus, there is an evident need carry out a strong awareness campaign through all possible means including print and electronic media to educate farmers for a change in their attitudes. The report suggests that Green band pesticides should be promoted by reducing the prices through tariff reduction and farmer level awareness programmes.