January 20, Colombo (LNW): A distinguished delegation of tea industry professionals from the United Kingdom has arrived in Sri Lanka this week with the goal of strengthening trade relations and exploring new business opportunities with the country’s renowned specialty tea producers.
The visit, part of the UK Government-funded Trade Partnerships (UKTP) programme, is designed to foster connections between UK tea buyers and Sri Lankan tea producers across the island’s low, mid, and upcountry regions.
The mission, which includes 12 UK-based tea companies, aims to delve into the distinct and varied flavours of Sri Lankan tea, influenced by the island’s diverse climatic conditions.
The delegation will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the artisanal techniques used in harvesting and processing premium teas, while also gaining an understanding of the environmental, ethical, and social practices that guide local tea production.
Jarmila Sarda, Programme Manager for the UKTP, highlighted the significance of the mission, saying, “This trade mission provides a unique platform for UK buyers to engage directly with Sri Lanka’s high-quality tea producers. By fostering these valuable connections, we hope to strengthen the trade ties between our two nations and support the sustainable growth of the tea sectors in both the UK and Sri Lanka.”
To facilitate networking and knowledge exchange, the British High Commission in Colombo will host a tea reception, bringing together UK buyers and key Sri Lankan stakeholders, including the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA).
This event will provide a space for open dialogue, where ideas can be shared, and potential partnerships can be explored.
British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, “It is a pleasure to welcome this delegation of UK tea buyers to Sri Lanka, which is a testament to our shared passion for exceptional, specialty tea. Over the course of this mission, I hope that new and fruitful partnerships will be established, further strengthening the trade ties between the UK and Sri Lanka.”
This trade mission forms part of the UKTP programme’s broader efforts to enhance trade relations between the UK and developing countries, with a particular focus on sectors like tea that are of vital economic importance.
The UKTP works to unlock trade potential in priority industries by facilitating connections and promoting sustainable growth.
Through this mission, the programme seeks to bridge markets, build enduring partnerships, and drive long-term economic development within Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
The UKTP programme is managed by the International Trade Centre and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom. Its overarching aim is to increase trade from developing nations to the UK and the European Union by maximising the benefits of economic partnership agreements, such as the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
