The Tea Traders’ Association has called on the government to strictly enforce laws against tea factories compromising quality during production, warning that poor standards threaten Sri Lanka’s global tea reputation.
The request was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumaranayake last Thursday. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from across the tea industry, including tea smallholder factory owners, tea exporters, and officials from government institutions linked to the sector.
Special emphasis was placed on improving the quality of tea leaves, enhancing productivity, and exploring new international market opportunities. Stakeholders also discussed the establishment of a coordination platform to better connect tea manufacturers, exporters, small estate owners, and relevant government bodies.
Dr. Kumaranayake noted that further steps would be taken in consultation with the relevant Ministry, including a comprehensive investigation into the emerging challenges faced by the tea industry to deliver timely and effective solutions.
Smallholder factory owners expressed appreciation for being included in the national-level dialogue and urged continued support for capacity development programmes targeting small tea estate owners.
Also under discussion was the future programme by the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, which includes plans to establish a formal data system to track and follow up on developments in the tea cultivation sector.
Among those present were:
- Kapila Janaka Bandara, Senior Additional Secretary to the President
- W.M.T.D. Wickramasinghe, Additional Secretary to the Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry
- R.K. Obeysekera, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board
- Officials from the Small Tea Estate Development Authority, Sri Lanka Tea Research Institute, Inland Revenue Department, and General Treasury
- Representatives from various tea sector associations
The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Sri Lankan tea while enhancing collaboration across the industry to boost global competitiveness.
