Sri Lankan Ambassador to Lebanon: The tea sector is an integrated story of land, effort, and human passion
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Lebanon organized a reception on the occasion of International Tea Day, upon the invitation of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Lebanon, Anura Withanage, at the embassy headquarters on Mar Roukoz Street – Hazmieh.
The reception was attended, alongside Ambassador Withanage, by a number of economic, social, cultural, and media figures.
After a welcoming speech to the attendees, Ambassador Withanage explained in a speech he delivered the global status of Ceylon tea and said: Ceylon tea occupies a prestigious global position as one of the most widespread and consumed beverages around the world, as its presence is not limited to being a daily drink, but rather it constitutes a source of livelihood for millions of workers involved in its cultivation, manufacturing, and trade. Under the slogan of International Tea Day for the year 2026, ‘Tea Sustainability and Supporting Communities,’ this sector emerges as an integrated story of land, effort, and human passion.
He continued: The journey of tea begins in the green gardens of Sri Lanka, where the leaves are carefully picked during the early morning hours, before passing through precise stages of withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying, processes that are inherited through generations and through which the quality and authentic character of every cup are preserved. The historical legacy of Ceylon tea dates back to 1867, when the Scottish planter James Taylor introduced commercial tea cultivation to Sri Lanka, transforming a small plantation of 19 acres into one of the most important agricultural industries in the country. Today, Sri Lanka is considered the largest producer and exporter of orthodox black tea in the world, and it also ranks fourth globally in tea production and export.
He added: Ceylon tea is distinguished by being environmentally friendly, after obtaining in 2007 the status of ‘Ozone Friendly Tea’ for not using the substance ‘Methyl Bromide,’ which is harmful to the ozone layer, in a step that supported global efforts to reduce pollution and global warming. Tea cultivation areas in Sri Lanka also vary between seven different climatic environments, granting each type its own flavor, color, and distinctive aroma, from the delicate aromatic ‘Nuwara Eliya’ tea to the strong and rich ‘Kandy’ tea. This diversity reflects the richness of the agricultural and cultural identity of Ceylon tea, which has come to carry a value that goes beyond taste to reach the human story, heritage, and high craftsmanship.
He added: The Ceylon tea industry continues its global expansion, with exports reaching billions of dollars annually and extending to major global markets. To guarantee quality, the Sri Lanka Tea Board adopts the famous lion logo, which is granted only to packages containing one hundred percent pure Ceylon tea and packed inside Sri Lanka according to strict standards.
He concluded: In light of the growing interest in artisanal tea, the consumer has come to search for more than just a beverage; they search for a story, a place, a heritage, and an integrated human experience, which is what makes Ceylon tea a symbol of quality, craftsmanship, and deeply rooted cultural identity across time.
The reception also included a tasting session for Ceylon tea, in addition to an exhibition of luxurious Ceylon tea products. Video clips were also shown to the attendees displaying the globally famous Sri Lankan tea heritage, its flavor, and the craftsmanship of its production.
