Sri Lanka boasts a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. Among its many treasures, the island nation is renowned for its tea – a legacy that has shaped its identity and economy for centuries. From mist-covered hills to bustling plantations, the story of Sri Lanka’s tea industry is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality.
From Colonial Legacy to Global Leader
The story of Sri Lanka’s tea industry is a fascinating tale of transformation, innovation, and resilience. From its humble beginnings as an experimental crop under British colonial rule to its current status as one of the world’s leading tea producers, the industry has traversed a remarkable journey shaped by historical, economic, and cultural forces.
Reminiscing Sri Lanka’s early unparalleled tea supremacy, Niraj De Mel, the esteemed Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, provided a vivid portrayal of a bygone time. With a tinge of nostalgic longing, he recalled the days when Ceylon tea held a prominent position in the global market, its exquisite flavors revered by many parts of the world. However, as time progressed and global circumstances changed, similarly the preference and necessity for Ceylon tea fluctuated as well.
De Mel validated the expansive popularity enjoyed by Ceylon Tea, stating that “tea is more accessible to all walks of life” as opposed to any beverage other than water. The chairman further said that the magic is in how well the Sri Lankan tea liquors with waters of many parts of the world, hence attributing its adaptability and versatility to its monumental success.
With a wealth of experience spanning over four decades in Sri Lanka’s tea industry, De Mel is a veritable repository of knowledge regarding its evolution. From his unique perspective, he delineated the journey of Ceylon tea’s evolution in the global landscape.
The roots of Sri Lanka’s tea industry can be traced back to the 19th century when British colonial planters sought to exploit the island’s fertile lands for commercial agriculture. Coffee was initially introduced as the main cash crop, but a devastating blight wiped out the plantations in the 1860s, leaving a void in the economy.
In the wake of the coffee blight, tea emerged as a promising alternative. James Taylor, a Scottish planter, is credited with establishing the first commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka in 1867, in the central highlands of Kandy. Taylor’s pioneering efforts laid the foundation for what would become Sri Lanka’s most iconic export – Ceylon tea.
Encouraged by Taylor’s success, other planters began to cultivate tea on a larger scale across the central and southern regions of the island. The cool, misty climate and fertile soil of the hill country proved ideal for tea cultivation, leading to rapid expansion of plantations throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
By the turn of the century, Ceylon tea had gained international recognition for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor. The industry received a significant boost with the establishment of the Colombo Tea Auction in 1883, which provided a centralized marketplace for buyers and sellers to trade tea. British firms played a dominant role in the industry during this period, overseeing both production and export.
Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948, ushering in a new era for the tea industry. The government, keen to assert control over the nation’s key economic sectors, nationalized many tea estates in the 1970s, leading to the formation of state-owned plantation companies.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
As custodians of the land, Sri Lanka’s tea producers recognize the importance of sustainability and social responsibility. Many plantations adhere to strict environmental standards, implementing practices aimed at conserving water, preserving biodiversity, and reducing carbon emissions. Smallholder farmers now play a vital role in tea production, alongside large-scale estates. Sustainable practices, such as organic farming and fair-trade certification, have gained traction, reflecting growing consumer demand for ethically produced tea.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s tea industry has increasingly embraced sustainable and environmentally friendly practices to mitigate environmental impact and promote social responsibility.
Many tea estates in Sri Lanka are certified under international standards such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic, which ensure ethical labor practices, environmental conservation, and product quality.
Moreover, the tea industry plays a vital role in the socio-economic fabric of Sri Lanka, providing employment and livelihoods to thousands of workers and their families. Efforts to improve working conditions, promote gender equality, and empower local communities underscore the industry’s commitment to inclusive growth and development.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its success, Sri Lanka’s tea industry faces its share of challenges. Fluctuating market prices, climate change, and global competition pose ongoing threats to the sector’s stability and growth.
The chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, Niraj De Mel, highlighted, significant decisions, including the introduction of a unified pricing system for green leaf suppliers. While aimed at improving efficiency, this decision unintentionally affected plucking standards, endangering the industry’s sustainability. Additionally, the 2015 prohibition on glyphosate added significant strain to tea producers, disrupting traditional methods and requiring adjustments to counter its effects.
Furthermore, the emergence of tea bags poses a significant challenge. De Mel recognizes the necessity for diversification, advocating for heightened production to address changing consumer preferences. Furthermore, he astutely emphasized the importance for Sri Lanka to focus on premium markets in order to regain its status as a top tea exporter.
De Mel’s vision for the advancement of Sri Lanka’s tea production reflects a strong aspiration for growth and excellence. While recognizing past achievements, such as the notable record crop of 340 kilos in 2013, he stresses the importance of continual enhancement. Setting a target to elevate tea production to 300 kilos, De Mel highlights the industry’s capacity for expansion, urging all stakeholders to work collectively towards achieving this objective.
In the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic, Sri Lanka’s tea industry emerged as a resilient pillar. While other sectors faced setbacks, the tea industry demonstrated remarkable resilience, making substantial contributions to the nation’s economy. De Mel recounted how, despite daunting circumstances, the tea industry managed to generate vital revenue, ranging from USD 1.2 billion to USD 1.3 billion, to support the country’s needs. His acknowledgment of the industry’s ability to persevere amidst power shortages and fuel limitations underscores its steadfast commitment to overcoming adversities.
Drawing from his extensive experience spanning nearly five decades in the tea sector, De Mel advocates for responsible agricultural practices and the integration of AI and robotics to enhance productivity and sustainability.
The growing demand for premium teas, the rise of specialty markets, and increasing consumer awareness of sustainability issues present avenues for growth and innovation. By embracing these opportunities and building on its strengths, Sri Lanka’s tea industry is poised to continue thriving in the years to come!
A Toast to the Future
As the sun sets over the rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country, there is a sense of optimism and pride in the air. The legacy of Ceylon tea lives on, a testament to the ingenuity, passion, and dedication of all those who contribute to its journey from leaf to cup.
As the world awakens to the pleasures of a perfectly brewed cup of tea, Sri Lanka’s tea industry stands ready to enchant, inspire, and delight tea lovers around the globe. With each sip, a story unfolds – a story of tradition, innovation, and the timeless allure of Ceylon tea.
