In a pivotal meeting, Sri Lanka’s government has launched an extensive review of the nation’s tea industry, addressing longstanding challenges and exploring strategies for future growth. With the focus on improving tea leaf quality, boosting productivity, and expanding into new international markets, this meeting marks a critical step toward revitalizing one of the country’s most important sectors. Key discussions also covered the pressing need to support small tea estate owners and enforce stricter quality controls in tea production. With smallholder tea estates actively participating in the conversation, this dialogue promises to shape the future of Sri Lanka’s tea industry, driving both economic recovery and sustainability.
A significant meeting was held on July 17 at the Presidential Secretariat, where Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, met with officials from institutions connected to Sri Lanka’s tea industry. The discussion focused on addressing the challenges facing the local tea sector, particularly in the areas of improving tea leaf quality, boosting the productivity of tea cultivation, and identifying new international market opportunities.
The meeting also explored the difficulties faced by tea manufacturers, with Dr. Kumanayake directing officials to come up with practical solutions. A major point of discussion was the capacity-building of small tea estate owners, with attention given to the need for replanting tea on small estates. Additionally, the importance of setting up a formal data system for tea cultivation was emphasized, with the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure tasked with its implementation.
The Tea Traders’ Association urged the government to enforce laws against factories that compromise the quality of tea during production. A key outcome of the meeting was the proposal to create a platform to foster better coordination between tea manufacturers, exporters, small tea estate owners, and government officials. Dr. Kumanayake affirmed that further steps would be taken following consultations with the relevant ministry.
Smallholder tea estate owners expressed gratitude for being included in the discussion, recognizing the importance of their involvement in shaping future reforms.
Present at the meeting were senior government officials, including Kapila Janaka Bandara, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, W.M.T.D. Wickramasinghe, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, R.K. Obeysekera, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, and other representatives from key institutions within the tea industry.
