25th Annual General Meeting - TEA 2024

Tea Exporters Association (TEA) Sri Lanka held its 25th Annual General Meeting on the 6th of September 2024, at the Grand Marquee, Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. The theme of this year’s event was “Steeping Sustainably - Growing Tea Exports Responsibly”. The Chief Guest at the event was Mr. Gevorg Sargsyan of World Bank, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives. 

Mr. Huzefa Akbarally, Director of Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd was elected as the new Chairman of the association for the 2024/2025 period. He succeeds Mr. Ganesh Deivanayagam who led the association for two years from 2022-2024. Mr. Ganesh Deivanayagam, the outgoing Chairman will continue to remain as a Board Member of TEA as the immediate past Chairman. Mr. Birendra Perera and Mr. Dilan Fernando were appointed as vice Chairmen and Mahinda Karunanayake as Treasure of the association for the ensuing year. 

Chief Guest, Mr, Sargsyan in his speech said that, “As someone who grew up drinking Ceylon tea, I have always felt a deep connection to this industry. The Sri Lankan tea industry has emerged to be both an important economic pillar and a source of national pride and icon – but has faced considerable challenges over the recent past. From climate change to policy inconsistencies and global market competition, the industry has been increasingly under pressure. Recent research indicates that by 2070, Sri Lanka’s optimal tea-growing regions could shrink by 30 percent. The sustainability of Sri Lanka’s tea industry is a multifaceted challenge, but one that we are well-equipped to address. As Sri Lanka moves towards a resilient recovery of the economy, revitalizing the tea industry is a crucial step for economic growth. To ensure the continued success and sustainability of this unique brand, it is essential for all stakeholders – public and private sector – to unite in their efforts in enhancing growth across the entire ecosystem so it can meaningfully contribute towards a sustainable and prosperous future for the entire country.”

At the AGM, the Association paid tribute to its past leaders by presenting plaques of appreciation to former Chairmen, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the industry at the 25th Anniversary of the association.

TEA conducted the "T.E.A. Awards for Outstanding Tea Producers- 2024" event for the fifth time and winners received their awards and certificates from Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Ambassadors of Russia, Turkey, Iran and Dy. Ambassador of Japan at the 25th AGM of the Tea Exporters Association held on 6th September 2024 at Grand Marquee, Taj Samudra Hotel.

TEA also conducted the competition of “Tea Tasting Championship- 2024” -  to encourage upcoming Tea Tasters in the industry. The presentation of awards and certificates for this event also took place at the 25th AGM of TEA. The Chief Guest, Mr. Gevorg Sargsyan of World Bank, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives presented the awards and certificates.

T.E.A. Awards for Outstanding Tea Producers - Winners and Runner ups for Certificates

Region – Nuwara Eliya

Winner – LOVERS LEAP MARK - PEDRO TEA FACTORY

Runner Up – COURT LODGE MARK - COURT LODGE TEA FACTORY

Region – Dimbula

Winner – SOMERSET MARK - SOMERSET TEA FACTORY

Runner Up – ROBGILL MARK - ROBGILL TEA FACTORY

 

Region – Kandy

Joint Winner – CRAIGHEAD MARK - CRAIGHEAD TEA FACTORY

Joint Winner – DARTRY VALLEY MARK - DARTRY TEA FACTORY

Runner Up – HARANGALLA MARK - HARANGALLA TEA FACTORY

Region – UVA

Joint Winner – WEWESSE MARK - WEWESSE TEA FACTORY

Joint Winner – DEMODERA “S” MARK - DEMODERA TEA FACTORY

Runner Up – SARNIA PLAIDERIE MARK - SARNIA TEA FACTORY

Region – Sabaragamuwa

Winner – SITHAKA MARK - AVISSAWELLA TEA FACTORY

Runner Up – KOLONNA SUPER MARK - KOLONNA TEA FACTORY     

Region – Ruhuna

Winner – POTHOTUWA MARK - POTHOTUWA TEA FACTORY

Runner Up – GUNAWARDENA MARK - GUNAWARDENA TEA FACTORY

CTC Tea Category

Winner – HINGALGODA CTC MARK - HINGALGODA TEA FACTORY

Runner Up – KALUBOWITIYANA CTC MARK - KALUBOWITIYANA TEA FACTORY

Tea Tasting Championship - 2024 - Winners and Runner ups

Winner

Mr. G. D. Ashen Tharindra Munasinghe

A F Jones Exporters Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd

Runner Up

Mr. Dishan Daniel Arumugam

Tea Tang (Pvt) Ltd

Merit Certificates

Mr. Ayesh Jayamanne

Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd

Mr. Chathura Gunathilaka

Maskeliya Plantations PLC

Ms. T. Kiruthika

Anverally & Sons (Pvt) Ltd