Sri Lanka’s iconic tea sector is staring at a looming production crisis as estate workers steadily abandon plantations for daily cash jobs, raising fears of long-term disruption to leaf plucking and national output.
The rapid exit of estate workers from tea plantations has triggered serious concern over the future of Sri Lanka’s tea production process. Former estate trade union leader and former state secretary P. P. Devaraj warned that the sector is at risk of a major collapse if the current trend continues.
According to Devaraj, estate workers are increasingly drawn to alternative employment that offers daily cash income rather than monthly or delayed wages. Many are shifting to the construction industry and trade support services, where they can earn between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 3,000 per day. The attraction of immediate payment has made these jobs far more appealing than plantation work.
He added that self employment activities such as vegetable trading also play a significant role in the workforce decline, as they provide flexibility and instant earnings. This steady migration away from plantations has already begun to affect labor availability.
Devaraj further emphasized that the situation could worsen in the coming years, as the younger generation from estate families is no longer interested in continuing this traditional livelihood. With fewer young workers entering the sector, estates may soon face a critical labor shortage.
He cautioned that disruptions to leaf plucking could directly impact tea output and export earnings.
Meanwhile, National Estate Workers’ Union General Secretary Vadivel Suresh said the salary increase agreed upon by the government and estate companies has yet to be officially announced. He stressed that the swift implementation of the wage hike is vital to protect worker welfare and retain labor in the tea industry.
