Major Programme Planned to Revitalise Sri Lanka’s Tea Industry

The Sri Lanka Tea Factory Owners Association has announced plans to introduce a major programme aimed at revitalising the country's tea industry and increasing production.

The association's Annual General Meeting was held yesterday at a hotel in Sri Jayawardenepura, with the Ambassador of Türkiye to Sri Lanka, Dr. Semih Lütfü Turgut, attending as the Chief Guest.

Lionel Herath, who has previously served as the association's chairman, was re-elected as its new chairman.

Addressing the gathering, Herath said Sri Lanka's tea industry had been experiencing a gradual decline since 2013. Annual tea production, which stood at approximately 340 million kilograms in 2013, had gradually dropped to around 264 million kilograms.

He attributed the decline to factors including weather conditions, social conditions and economic challenges.

He further stated that the association was undertaking several initiatives to increase tea production, including providing fertiliser subsidies, distributing tea plants and facilitating loan schemes for tea growers.

As part of its future plans, the association intends to distribute eight million tea plants.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Raj Obeyesekere said that although Sri Lanka's contribution to the global tea supply was relatively limited, the country continued to play an important role in the tea industry.

He emphasised that promoting the Ceylon Tea brand in international markets and ensuring the supply of high-quality tea remained among the country's main priorities.

The Chief Guest, Turkish Ambassador Dr. Semih Lütfü Turgut, highlighted the importance of tea in Turkish culture, describing it as more than just a beverage and an integral part of the country's hospitality.

He noted that Türkiye ranks among the world's leading tea-consuming nations, with an average annual consumption of approximately three kilograms per person.

He also identified Türkiye as one of the important buyers of Ceylon Tea, describing this as a positive development for Sri Lanka's tea industry.

Commercial Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sanath Manatunga and several other distinguished guests also attended the event.