The tea sector in Sri Lanka has always been a vital component of her economy. It is also the country’s largest employer providing employment both directly and indirectly to over one million people. It also contributes a significant amount to Government revenue and to the gross domestic product. Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka, acclaimed as the best tea in the world has its inherent unique characteristics and reputation running through more than a century.
The influence of climatic conditions of its plantation imparts to the product a variety of flavours and aromas, synonymous with quality. Sri Lanka as the third biggest tea producing country globally, has a production share of 9% in the international sphere, and one of the world’s leading exporters with a share of around 19% of the global demand. The total extent of land under tea cultivation has been assessed at approximately 187,309 hectares.