By: Staff Writer
January 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s rich legacy of producing world-class tea is receiving renewed global attention as a delegation of UK tea industry specialists visits the island to forge deeper connections.
Renowned for its diverse and high-quality teas, Sri Lanka is showcasing its artisanal craftsmanship and sustainability-focused practices to buyers eager to explore the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.
This week, a delegation of experts and specialists from the UK tea industry arrived in Sri Lanka to strengthen ties with local specialty tea producers and explore new business opportunities.
Organized under the UK Government-funded Trade Partnerships (UKTP) program and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), the mission connects 12 UK tea companies with producers and processors from Sri Lanka’s low, mid, and upcountry regions. The delegation is exploring the unique flavors and variations influenced by the country’s diverse climatic conditions.
During the visit, buyers will experience artisanal harvesting methods and distinctive processing techniques used to craft premium, curated teas. They will also gain insights into the environmental, ethical, and social practices that define each tea producer’s approach.
Jarmila Sarda, UKTP Program Manager, highlighted the mission’s importance: “This trade mission provides a valuable opportunity for United Kingdom tea buyers to directly engage with high-quality Sri Lankan tea producers.
By fostering these direct connections, we aim to strengthen trade relationships and contribute to the sustainable growth of both the United Kingdom and Sri Lankan tea sectors.”
To further enhance networking and collaboration, a tea reception hosted by the British High Commission in Colombo brought together UK buyers and Sri Lankan stakeholders, including members of the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA). British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick expressed optimism about the event’s outcomes:
“It is great to welcome a delegation of UK tea buyers here in Sri Lanka – a demonstration of our shared love for high-quality, specialty tea. I hope that over the course of the week, new and fruitful partnerships will be created to further strengthen the UK-Sri Lanka trade relationship.”
The initiative underscores the UKTP program’s dedication to expanding trade opportunities and promoting sustainable growth in Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
As part of its broader mission, UKTP supports developing countries by unlocking trade potential in key sectors, bridging markets, and fostering lasting partnerships.
Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, UKTP also implements trade promotion and capacity-building initiatives worldwide.
Partnering with government agencies, private sector organizations, and SMEs, the program advances sustainable development in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
By connecting the UK and Sri Lanka’s tea industries, this mission paves the way for enhanced collaboration, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage while contributing to global trade growth.
